A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Finger, Gottfried

by William H. Husk

FINGER, Gottfried or Godfrey, a native of Olmütz in Moravia, came to England about 1685, and was appointed chapel-master to James II. In 1688 he published 'Sonatæ XII. pro Diversis Instrumentis. Opus Primum,' and in 1690 'Six Sonatas or Solos, three for a violin and three for a flute.' In 1691, in conjunction with John Banister, he published 'Ayres, Chacones, Divisions and Sonatas for Violins and Flutes,' and shortly after joined Godfrey Keller in producing 'A Set of Sonatas in five parts for flutes and hautboys.' He subsequently published other sonatas for violins and flutes. In 1693 Finger composed the music for Theophilus Parsons' Ode for the annual celebration of St. Cecilia's day. In 1696, in conjunction with John Eccles, he composed the music for Motteux's masque, 'The Loves of Mars and Venus,' and in the next year that for Ravenscroft's comedy, 'The Anatomist, or, The Sham Doctor.' In 1701 he set to music Elkanah Settle's opera, 'The Virgin Prophetess, or, The Siege of Troy.' In the same [App. p.636 "previous"] year he was awarded the fourth prize for the composition of Congreve's masque, 'The Judgment of Paris,' the others being given to John Weldon, John Eccles, and Daniel Purcell. Finger was so displeased at the ill reception of his composition that he quitted England and returned to Germany, where in 1702 he obtained the appointment of chamber musician to Sophia Charlotte, Queen of Prussia. Whilst at Berlin he composed two German operas, 'Sieg der Schönheit über die Helden' and 'Roxane,' both performed in 1706. In 1717 he became chapel-master at the court of Gotha. Nothing is known of his subsequent career. Besides the above-mentioned compositions Finger wrote instrumental music for the following plays 'The Wives' Excuse,' 1692; 'Love for Love,' 1695; 'The Mourning Bride,' 1697 ; 'Love at a loss,' 'Love makes a man,' 'The Humours of the Age,' and 'Sir Harry Wildair,' 1701.

[ W. H. H. ]