The Secular Music of John Blow

Extract

Of all English composers of the late seventeenth century, the name of John Blow is, with the sole exception of Purcell, the most familiar to musicians not specially versed or interested in the period. The eminence of his professional position, the superlatives commonly applied to him by his contemporaries, his intriguing but somewhat mysterious relations with Purcell, and his uncommon name have united to contribute to a tradition of greatness and an attitude of reverence. Yet our actual knowledge of his music is confined within noticeably narrow limits. In the field of Church Music, for example, in which Blow was especially active, only approximately a quarter of his output is available in modern editions: and in performing such anthems as are available, how often does the range of choice extend beyond I beheld and lo or I was in the Spirit?