Gerald Finzi

Gerald Raphael Finzi (July 14, 1901 – September 27, 1956) was a British composer, whose popularity has increased considerably in the years since his death.

Conclusion

Through Farrar and Vaughan Williams, Finzi belongs to the firm tradition of Elgar, Hubert Parry and Charles Villiers Stanford, which made his music seem unfashionable in his lifetime. One can’t really speak about experimentation, let alone modernity, in the case of Finzi, even though some of his lesser-known works completely contradict his popular image of a lyrical pastoralist. He did, however, have a distinctive voice of his own, most evident in the sensitive songs and choral works which show an unfailing response to and unity with each poet’s words, resulting from his thorough knowledge of English literature. In this respect, he resembles Gurney, Roger Quilter and other English song composers of the early 20th century, though works such as the Cello Concerto and Intimations of Immortality show him more than a miniaturist.

Related Topics:
Elgar - Hubert Parry - Charles Villiers Stanford - Roger Quilter - Intimations of Immortality

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Finzi’s son, Christopher, inherited his pacifist sympathies as well as his musical talent and became a noted conductor and an exponent of his father’s music. Thanks to him and other enthusiasts, Finzi’s music enjoyed a great resurgence from the late 20th century onwards.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~