Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Finch, Edward (1664-1738)

899923Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 19 — Finch, Edward (1664-1738)1889Louisa M. Middleton

FINCH, EDWARD (1664–1738), composer, born in 1664, was the fifth son of Heneage, first earl of Nottingham [q. v.] He proceeded M.A . in 1079, and became fellow of Christ's College, Cambridge. He represented the university of Cambridge in the parliament of 1689-90. He was ordained deacon at York in 1700, became rector of Wigan, was appointed prebendary of York 26 April 1704, and resided in the north end of the treasurer's house in the Close, taking an active interest in musical matters, as appears from the family correspondence. Finch was installed prebendary of Canterbury 8 Feb. 1710. He died 14 Feb. 1737-8, aged 75, at York, where a monument erected by him in the minster to his wife and brother (Henry, dean of York) bears a bust and inscription to his memory.

Finch's 'Te Deum' and anthem, 'Grant, we beseech Thee,' both written in five parts, are to be found in Dr. Tudway's 'Collection of Services' (Harleian MSS. 7337-42); 'A Grammar of Thorough Bass,' with examples, a manuscript of sixty-six pages, is in the Euing Library at Glasgow. Of Finch's manuscript letters, that addressed to his brother Daniel, second Earl of Nottingham [q. v.], and dated Winwick, 12 July 1702, is of interest; he there enunciates his views of a sinecure and discusses other questions of preferment.

[Collins's Peerage, iii. 290; Graduati Cantabrigienses, 1823, p. 168; Le Neve's Fasti, iii. 650; Dict. of Musicians, 1827, i. 247; Willis's Survey of Cathedrals, 1742, i. 176; Drake's Eboracum, 1736, pp. 513, 559, 570; Addit. MSS. 28569 f. 130, 29588 f. 88, 32496 f. 48 b; Hasted's Hist. of Canterbury, 1801, ii. 63; Harleian MSS. 2264 f. 267, 7342 p. 306; Gent. Mag. viii. 109; Brown's Biog. Dict. of Musicians, p. 246.]