Isaac Blackwell

(? - 1699)

English composer. Organist of St Dunstan in the West (London) 1674-99. Organist of St Michael, Cornhill (London) 1684-99. Organist of St Paul's Cathedral 1687-99. Blackwell contributed works to the ‘loose Papers’ thrown before the Old Jewry Music Club that comprise an interesting compendium of the popular partsong repertory during the Commonwealth and early Restoration period. Not one of the more technically competent composers, he nevertheless offers a vigorous personality. His “Give me thy youth” has admirable strength and directness, and contrasts with the polite inanities of some of his contemporaries.

Catches and Glees | VIIA: Purcell and his Contemporaries