John Blow was the most prolific 17th-century composer of the Franco-Flemish genre of 'double organ' pieces, which used two contrasting divisions of pipes played from two manuals.
Historical Context
The 17th century in England, between 1610 and 1660, was marked by severe instability, religious conflicts, and civil wars, including the execution of King Charles I.
Compositional Technique
The 'new' English organ, influenced by French and German traits, emphasized coloristic and echo effects, similar to French organ music, with specific registrations indicated for contrasting sounds.
Historical Context
Puritans opposed church music and systematically destroyed organs, leading to a period where almost no organs from that time remain today.
Composer Biography
John Blow was a pupil of Christopher Gibbons (son of Orlando Gibbons, a famous English composer) and later transferred his position at Westminster Abbey to his own pupil, Henry Purcell, with whom he shared a close friendship.
Composer Biography
John Blow, a prominent London-based musician, served five monarchs and was born around the time King Charles I was beheaded.
Performer Biography
Joseph Payne, the performer on this album, was one of the last and youngest pupils of Wanda Landowska, a renowned harpsichordist and early music pioneer.
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