• Born 1653
• Period: Baroque (1600-1749)
• Country: Scotland

Biography

A Scottish singer, composer, and lutenist John Abell was born in 1653. Having obtained a degree in music form Cambridge in 1684, Abell left England following the 1688 revolution, finding, as Catholic, life in England difficult. Associated with the exiled court of James II, Abell, whose reputation as a singer was remarkable, traveled throughout Europe, where his extraordinary countertenor voice was much appreciated. Returning to England around 1700, Abell performed widely, singling the principal role in The Judgment of Paris by Daniel Purcell. Permanently established in England, Abell nevertheless maintained his ties with the Continent, probably making several visits. His publications include A Collection of Songs in English (1701) and A Choice Collection of Italian Ayres (1703). Written in the Italian tradition, Abell's original songs are regarded as quite conventional. He died in Cambridge, ca. 1716. ~ Zoran Minderovic, All Music Guide