John Blow

John Blow, born in 1649, was a prominent English composer and organist of the Baroque era, renowned for his significant contributions to English music. As a chorister at the Chapel Royal and later the organist of Westminster Abbey, Blow's influence extended to his pupils, including the esteemed Henry Purcell. His only stage work, 'Venus and Adonis', is believed to have inspired Purcell's famous opera 'Dido and Aeneas'. Blow's compositions were frequently performed at St Paul's Cathedral, where he served as choirmaster, and he was later appointed Composer to the Chapel Royal. His legacy endures through his diverse and distinguished body of work, making him one of the most notable English composers of his time.