Bull, John

Imaginary figure personifying England; see John Bull.

Bull, John (c. 1562–1628)

English composer and keyboard virtuoso. He was a choirboy in the Chapel Royal in London under John Blitheman and became organist of Hereford Cathedral in 1582. On Blitheman's death in 1591 he became organist of the Chapel Royal. He gained his music doctorate at both Oxford (1592) and Cambridge (1589). In 1596 he was appointed first professor of music at Gresham College. In 1601 he travelled abroad when Thomas Byrd, son of William Byrd, acted as his deputy at Gresham College. He married Elizabeth Walter in 1607 and gave up his professorship, which could be held only by single men. In 1613 he left England, apparently to escape punishment for adultery, and became organist at the archducal chapel in Brussels. In 1617 he was appointed organist at Antwerp Cathedral, where he remained to his death. Much of his technically brilliant music for the virginals is in the collection Parenthia (1613).

Works anthems, including the ‘Star’ anthem Almighty Lord; secular vocal works for several voices; canons; a laud for the Blessed Virgin in Flemish; numerous organ and virginal pieces; some works for viols.