John Blow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Blow
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18th century engraving by Charles Grignion the Elder after Robert White
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Collingham, Nottinghamshire, England
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| Baptised | 23 February 1649 |
| Died | 1 October 1708 (aged 59) London, England
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John Blow (born 1649 – died 1708) was a famous English composer and organist. He lived during the Baroque period, a time when music was often grand and dramatic. John Blow was a teacher to other well-known musicians, including Henry Purcell. He worked as an organist at Westminster Abbey and later became a special composer for the King.
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Early Life and Musical Start
John Blow was likely born in a village called Collingham. We know he was baptised on February 23, 1649. This means he was probably born just before that date.
As a young boy, John Blow joined the Chapel Royal choir. This was a special group of singers who performed for the King. He was very talented in music, even at a young age.
He wrote several anthems when he was still quite young. Anthems are special songs, often for church services. One famous one was I will always give thanks. He wrote this with two friends, Pelham Humfrey and William Turner. It might have been to celebrate a victory or just their friendship.
Becoming a Professional Musician
In 1668, John Blow became an organist at Westminster Abbey. An organist plays the organ, a very large musical instrument often found in churches.
Later, in 1674, he became a "Gentleman of the Chapel Royal." This was an important position. He also became the "Master of the Children of the Chapel Royal." This meant he was in charge of teaching the young choir boys.
Family Life
In 1673, John Blow married Elizabeth Braddock. Sadly, she passed away ten years later. They had three daughters who survived him, but two of his sons died young.
Working for the King
By 1678, John Blow had earned a special music degree. In 1685, he became one of the private musicians for King James II.
Between 1680 and 1687, he wrote his only stage show. It was called Venus and Adonis. This show was a type of Masque, which was a popular form of entertainment for the King. In this show, a famous singer named Mary Davis played the part of Venus. Even Lady Mary Tudor, who was King Charles II's daughter, performed as Cupid!
In 1687, Blow became the choirmaster at St Paul's Cathedral. He also owned several houses, including one in Hampton. This house was later taken down in 1799.
He returned to his job as organist at Westminster Abbey in 1695. He had left this role earlier to make way for his student, Henry Purcell. In 1700, he received a new important job: Composer to the Chapel Royal.
John Blow passed away on October 1, 1708, when he was 59 years old. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, a very famous church in London.
His Music
John Blow wrote a lot of music! He created many pieces for church services and over one hundred anthems. He also wrote about 30 odes, which are like long poems set to music, for royal celebrations.
One of his most famous works is the masque Venus and Adonis. He also wrote pieces for the harpsichord, which is an old keyboard instrument.
In 1700, he published a collection of his songs called Amphion Anglicus. This book included music for one, two, three, and four voices. It also had a figured bass part, which was a common way to write music back then.
Legacy and Recognition
John Blow's music is still remembered today.
- In 1955, a composer named Arthur Bliss wrote a piece called Meditations on a Theme by John Blow. He based it on one of Blow's anthems.
- In 2008, 300 years after his death, BBC Radio 3 and Westminster Abbey celebrated his life. They played a special church service with mostly his music.
See also
In Spanish: John Blow para niños
