Gottfried Finger facts for kids
Gottfried Finger (born around 1655 or 1656 – died in 1730) was an important Baroque composer. He was also a very skilled player of the viol, which is an old string instrument. Many of his musical pieces were written for the viol. He also wrote operas, which are plays set to music.
Who Was Gottfried Finger?
Gottfried Finger was born in a city called Olomouc. This city is now part of the Czech Republic. He lived during the Baroque period, which was a time when music, art, and architecture were very grand and decorative.
Early Life and Career
Finger started his career working for the court of James II of England. A "court" was like the royal household of a king or queen. Musicians at court would play music for the king and his guests. After some time, Finger became a "freelance" composer. This means he worked for himself and was not tied to one specific employer.
Finger owned a copy of a music book called Chelys by a composer named Carolus Hacquart. This makes some people think that Finger and Hacquart might have worked together in England.
Moving to Germany
Gottfried Finger took part in a music contest in London. The goal was to create an opera based on a story called The Judgement of Paris. Finger came in fourth place in this contest. After the contest, he decided to leave England. He then moved to Germany to continue his musical career.
Later Years and Death
Gottfried Finger spent his later years in Germany. He died in a city called Mannheim in 1730. His music helped shape the Baroque style, especially for the viol.
