Blow, John (1649?-1708), was an outstanding English composer of church music. He wrote more than 100 anthems and 13 church services. He also composed such nonreligious choral works as “Awake, Awake My Lyre” and “Begin the Song.” He wrote more than 100 songs for solo voice, vocal duets, and trios. His Venus and Adonis (about 1683) is one of the earliest known British operas. In addition, Blow composed pieces for organ and for harpsichord. Most of his works display deep but restrained emotion.
Blow was born in Newark, Nottinghamshire, England. He was organist at Westminster Abbey in London from 1668 to 1679 and again from 1695 to 1708. Blow died on Oct. 1, 1708.
