Henry Theophilus Finck (1854-1926) was a prominent American figure in the world of classical music criticism. Here's a quick rundown:
Music Critic: Regarded as one of the most influential music critics of his era, Finck served as the chief classical music critic for both The Nation and the New York Evening Post for over four decades, from 1881 to 1924.
Background: Born in Missouri, Finck grew up in Oregon where he received music lessons for piano and cello. A self-taught scholar, his grasp of Latin and Greek was strong enough to enter Harvard University as a sophomore. There, he further pursued his studies in philosophy, classics, and music.
Writing: A prolific writer, Finck's works extended beyond music criticism. He authored books on various subjects including composers like Wagner and Chopin, food and gastronomy, gardening, and even anthropological explorations of love.