Blow, John (1648-1708)

English composer. He taught the English composer Henry Purcell and wrote church music, for example the anthem ‘I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me’ (1697). His masque Venus and Adonis (1685) is sometimes called the first English opera.

He became one of the children in the Chapel Royal in London as soon as it was re-established after the Restoration in 1660, and was taught by Henry Cooke. He wrote three anthems in 1663 and took a share with Pelham Humfrey and William Turner in the ‘Club Anthem’ about 1664. About the same time, at Charles II's request, he set Robert Herrick's ‘Go, perjur'd man’ in the style of Giacomo Carissimi. John Hingston and Christopher Gibbons also had a share in Blow's musical education. In 1668 he succeeded Albert Bryne as organist at Westminster Abbey; in March 1674 he was sworn a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal, and the following July he succeeded Humfrey as Master of the Children. In November he married Elizabeth Braddock. In 1679 he was followed in the Westminster organist's post by Purcell, but returned as organist after Purcell's death in 1695. In 1687 he succeeded Michael Wise as almoner and choirmaster at St Paul's Cathedral (at that time unfinished). James II appointed him a member of the royal band and confirmed a previous appointment as Composer in Ordinary. Towards the end of the century he bought a property at Hampton, but still retained a house at Westminster, where he died.

Works Masque Venus and Adonis (1685).

Church music and anthems about 12 services; over 100 English anthems, nine Latin anthems; three coronation anthems for James II, one for William and Mary; anthem for the opening service at St Paul's Cathedral (1697);

Songs and odes Act Songs for Oxford University; at least 16 Welcome Songs, five for St Cecilia's Day, odes on the death of Queen Mary (1695) and of Purcell (1696); song collection Amphion Anglicus, songs and catches, Chamber sonata for two violins and bass.

Other harpsichord lessons, suites, and pieces; some organ pieces.