Blow John

Blow, John, Mus. Doc, was born at Cottingham, Notts, in 1648. An early promise of musical ability led to his being included amongst the first batch of "children of the Royal chapels," and at the age of twenty-one be became organist of Westminster Abbey, resigning in 1680 in favour of Purcell. In 1685 he was appointed composer to the king, and held various other appointments. On the death of Purcell he resumed his office at the Abbey. He published a collection of his compositions under the title Amphion Anglicus in 1700, and died in 1708. Though decried by Burney, many of his anthems, hymns, and songs show considerable talent.