A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Barrett, John

by William H. Husk

BARRETT, John, a pupil of Dr. Blow, was music master at Christ's Hospital and organist of the church of St. Mary-at-Hill about 1710. Many songs by him are in the collections of the period, particularly in D'Urfey's 'Wit and Mirth, or, Pills to purge Melancholy,' in which is 'Ianthe the lovely,' which furnished Gay with the tune for his song 'When he holds up his hand' in 'The Beggar's Opera.' Barrett composed overtures and act tunes for 'Love's last shift, or, The Fool in Fashion,' 1696, 'Tunbridge Walks,' 1703, and 'Mary, Queen of Scots,' 1703.

[ W. H. H. ]