This English composer, organist, virginalist, organ builder, and keyboard virtuoso was a student of William Blitheman. John Bull surpassed the abilities and canon methods of his teacher. He was able to obtain his Doctorate of Music from both Oxford and Cambridge and served in a number of positions including Hereford Cathedral, King's College Cambridge, organist of Her Majesty's Chappell (in the court of Elizabeth I), in the King's court (James I), and Gresham College (upon the Queen's recommendation). By 1609, in the service of King James, Bull was also an active organ builder and possibly a teacher to Prince Henry. Later, c. 1613, he fled England to the Netherlands because of adulterated behaviors, and served with the Archduke Albert until his indiscretions were discovered. Characteristics and types of his music include a penchant toward puzzle canons (particularly the canon written in a circle: the "Spera mundi" canon); virginal compositions including "Parthenia" or "The Maydenhead" for the young Princess Elizabeth; and keyboard music composed in German tablature. Bull was most famous for the extent of his keyboard production which was also far above the technical capabilities of most of his contemporaries. Bull made the English style, particularly soprano parts of canons written over the parts of the choir (the descant style), his own. Songs like "My Self" and "Bull's Goodnight" also demonstrated an ability to compose pleasing melodic lines. When Bull fled from England in 1613, much of his work was lost or destroyed. Accordingly, it is difficult to assess the complexities and merits of his other works. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi