Gerald and Joy Finzi

Gerald Finzi was born in London on July 14th 1901, the son of John Finzi, shipbroker. He studied music under Edward Farrar and Edward Bairstow at York, and counterpoint under R.O. Morris. As a composer he is best remembered for his vocal works, many of which consist of settings of the words of English poets such as Hardy, Wordsworth and Robert Bridges. He also worked to encourage English music in a variety of ways, such as his efforts to preserve and publicise the work of Ivor Gurney, and his formation of the largely amateur Newbury String Players. He died in 1956.

In 1933 Gerald Finzi married Joyce Black, known as Joy, a portrait artist. She died in 1991.

From the guide to the Papers of Gerald and Joy Finzi, 1894-1974, (Reading University: Special Collections Services)