Dr. Robert Bracey

Professor of Voice, Voice Area Coordinator, Music Performance

Gerald Finzi: His Life and Music
by Diana McVeagh

I have always been fond of the English Art Song repertoire. When studying for my graduate degrees at The University of Michigan I was introduced to the songs and other vocal works of Gerald Finzi. This particular book was not yet published when I selected Finzi as a presentation topic for my Doctoral preliminary exams. I had heard this book was forthcoming when reading some liner notes in a compact disc recording written by the author.

I have since performed several of Finzi’s pieces in recital and professional concert venues. The majority of his songs were set to Thomas Hardy poems. He was a master of setting text. Throughout my career as a singer and teacher of voice, it has been a passion of mine to introduce others to these fine pieces of music. I have watched many of my students prepare and perform Finzi’s songs in concert and recital.

This is the definitive publication on Finzi and his music. When asked to participate in this recognition event, I immediately thought of this book.