Gerald Finzi

British composer Gerald Raphael Finzi (14 July 1901 – 27 September 1956) was renowned for his choral compositions, which included pieces such as the cantata 'Dies natalis'. Born in London, Finzi's early life was marked by the untimely death of his father and the loss of his three brothers. He studied under Ernest Farrar, whose influence was profound and lasting. Despite the hardships he faced, Finzi found comfort in setting the poetry of Thomas Hardy, Thomas Traherne, and Christina Rossetti to music. His mature style surfaced with 'Dies natalis', and despite his declining health due to Hodgkin's disease, he continued to compose, producing significant works including the Clarinet and Cello Concertos.