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Blow, John 1649-1708
English composer

Born in Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, he sang in the Chapel Royal choir, was appointed organist at Westminster Abbey (1668), Master of the Children at the Chapel Royal (1674) and subsequently organist there, and Master of the Children at St Paul's (1687). Much of his large output of anthems and church services is uninspired, but the best, eg, the Ode for St Cecilia's Day, 'Begin the Song', has a grandeur which enhances his reputation. He wrote a small amount of instrumental music and a masque, Venus and Adonis (1687), which was performed before Charles II.