05/10/2008
Catherine Bott examines the life and music of 17th-century composer Dr John Blow - organist at Westminster Abbey, teacher of Henry Purcell and loyal court musician to four monarchs.
Catherine Bott presents a programme which looks at the life and music of the seventeenth century composer, Dr John Blow. Most famous as Henry Purcell's teacher, John Blow was a highly respected composer in his own right, and is considered to be the finest composer of keyboard music from the Restoration period..
Born in Newark on Trent, Blow was taken to London as a boy to sing in the newly reformed Royal Chapel Choir. When his voice broke, he turned his attention to the keyboard and soon gained a position at Westminster Abbey, as well as a number of posts within the Royal circle. Blow not only served King Charles II, but also wrote coronation anthems for James II, William and Mary, and Queen Anne; his output also included a great deal of organ music, church services, secular songs, and what is widely considered to be the first true English opera: Venus & Adonis.
Playlist:
Blow - Flavia grown old
John Mark Ainsley (tenor) / Timothy Roberts (harpsichord)
HYPERION CDA 66646
Track 9
Blow – I will always give thanks
The Sixteen / The Symphony of Harmony and Invention
Conducted by Harry Christophers
CORO 16041
Track 4
Blow – Sett No.4in C major
Robert Woolley (spinet)
MERIDIAN CDE 84464
Tracks 14-17
Blow – Magnificat in G
Choir of Ely Cathedral / David Price (organ)
Directed by Paul Trepte
PRIORY PRCD 592
Track 3
Blow – God spake sometimes in visions
Winchester Cathedral Choir / The Parley of Instruments
Conducted by David Hill
HYPERION CDA 67031
Disc 1 Track 1
Blow – The Lord God is a sun and a shield
Choir of New College Oxford / The Academy of Ancient Music
Conducted by Edward Higginbottom
DECCA 470 226-2
Track 12
Blow – Ode on the death of Mr Henry Purcell (opening)
James Bowman / Rene Jacobs (countertenors)
Ricardo Kanji / Marion Verbruggen (recorders) / Anna Bylsma (cello) / Gustav Leonhardt (harpsichord)
PHILIPS 657 5016
Track 1
Blow – Venus and Adonis (Overture)
New London Consort
Conducted by Philip Pickett
L’OISEAU LYRE 440 220-2
Track 11
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The Early Music Show
Performance and news from the world of early music.