Gerald Raphael Finzi (1901-1956) was an English composer, whose popularity has increased considerably in the years since his death. Born on 14th July 1901 in London, the son of an Italian Jewish father and a German Jewish mother, Finzi nevertheless became one of the most characteristically English composers of his generation. Despite being an agnostic, he wrote some inspired and imposing Christian choral music. Finzi's father, a successful shipbroker, died when his son was seven.