A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Snow, Valentine

SNOW, Valentine, was probably of the same family as Moses Snow, gentleman of the Chapel Royal from 1689 until his death, Dec. 20, 1702, and also lay-vicar of Westminster Abbey, and a minor composer. He became the finest performer upon the trumpet of his day; was a member of Handel's oratorio orchestra; and it was for him that the great composer wrote the difficult obbligato trumpet parts in 'Messiah,' 'Samson,' 'Dettingen Te Deum,' 'Judas Maccabeus,' etc. No better evidence of his ability can be required. In Jan. 1753 he was appointed (in succession to John Shore, deceased) Sergeant Trumpeter to the King, which office he held until his death in Dec. 1770.

[ W. H. H. ]