The Clock of the Years

Compiled from the Finzi Friends newsletter, The Clock of the Years is a fascinating anthology of writings on Gerald Finzi, his family and his circle.

The Clock of the Years is an anthology compiled to celebrate 25 years of the Finzi Friends Newsletter. It includes freshly edited and revised pieces that have been long out of print or only available to society members, with many new pieces appearing in print for the first time. The collection is enhanced by fascinating archive material from private collections, including many previously unseen photographs of Finzi and his circle.

Contents include: Anthony Boden on Finzi at the 3 Choirs Festival; Joy Finzi on Ralph Vaughan Williams; Kenneth Leighton's memories of Finzi; Stephen Banfield on writing his biography of the composer; Philip Thomas on Finzi's Clarinet Concerto; Christopher Stunt on Finzi and Thomas Hardy; Hugh Cobbe on the correspondence of Finzi and Vaughan Williams; Diana McVeagh, Myfanwy Thomas and Ursula Vaughan Williams on Joy Finzi; Howard Ferguson on Elgar; Philip Langridge on Intimations of Immortality; Christopher Finzi on recording Dies natalis; etc.

Its pages include several detailed studies of works by Finzi...and cumulatively testify to both Finzi's important role in reviving English musical life after the Second World War, and to the impact his music has had on fellow composers and performers.(...) In its eccentric way, The Clock of the Years is as effective as many more fashionable texts in encouraging us to question the "great man" view of the musical canon. TLS Once you begin it you really don't want to put it down for very long...There are some real gems here. JOURNAL OF THE RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS SOCIETYRolf Jordan has achieved a marvel in selecting and arranging this wonderful anthology. CHURCH TIMESEssential, surprising and gratifying reading. BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY NEWSFinzians will not...be disappointed with this book and indeed if you are at all interested in Finzi's circle, the story of his life and of the renaissance of his music since the early 1970s this book is essential, surprising and gratifying reading. MUSIC WEB INTERNATIONALThe volume is quite beautiful. an essential research anthology that illuminates Finzi's life and compositions, the latter of which are part of the imperishable glory of England's musical heritage. It is highly recommended. CHORAL JOURNAL