Blow

Blow, JOHN, composer, born about 1648, became organist of Westminster Abbey in 1669, and of the Chapel Royal in 1676. For the stage he wrote a masque, Venus and Adonis, in which Mary Davis sang the part of Venus before Charles II.; and he was author of many birthday, New Year, and St Cecilia odes, about one hundred anthems, and fourteen services. His contemporaries thought him the 'greatest master in the world' in organ playing, and unprejudiced critics now consider his music in many respects in advance of his age, and as displaying great power and individuality. He died 1st October 1708.