Peter Finger German guitarist, songwriter, composer and music producer Date of Birth: 11.10.1954 Country: Germany

1. Peter Finger: A Master of Musical Harmony
2. Early Life and Musical Education
3. Musical Career and Accomplishments
4. Musical Virtuosity and Influences

Peter Finger: A Master of Musical Harmony

Peter Finger, a German guitarist, songwriter, composer, and music producer, is renowned for his exceptional artistry and musicality. As Tim Sheridan of Allmusic observes about Finger's 1999 album "Open Strings," the guitarist exhibits "breathtaking technical skill and a sensitive musicality." The title track, "Open Strings," showcases Finger's melodic inventiveness and jaw-dropping virtuosity.

Early Life and Musical Education

Born Peter Fincher on October 11, 1954, in Weimar, Germany, Peter Finger comes from a musical family. His father was an orchestra conductor, and Finger received early training on violin and piano before taking up the guitar at age 13. He twice won first prize at the "Jugend musiziert" violin competition for children and youth. Finger later studied music in Münster.

Musical Career and Accomplishments

Finger's studio debut came in 1973 with the album "Bottleneck Guitar Solos" for Kicking Mule Records. He began touring in 1976 and has since performed worldwide. Expanding his repertoire, Finger took on music production projects for radio, television, and film.

Peter Finger had his orchestral breakthrough in 1981 and followed it up with an orchestral composition for film and television productions in 1985. In the same decade, he collaborated with vibraphonist Florian Poser as a duo and formed a trio with Trilok Gurtu and Charlie Mariano.

In 1988, Finger founded his own music publishing and record label, Acoustic Music Records. He also served as publisher of "Akustik Gitarre" magazine from 1995 onwards.

Returning to the studio, Finger released the albums "Niemandsland" in 1993 and "Solo" in 1995. He became the Festival Director of the Open Strings Festival in 2000. Notable performances include the "Guitares au Palais" festival in 2008 and the International Çukurova Instrumental Music Festival in 2009.

As a producer, Finger has helmed albums such as Tim Sparks' "Guitar Bazaar" (1995) and "One String Leads to Another" (1999). He also produced Vicky Genfan's "Vicky Genfan Live" (2003), a recording of the artist's performance at the Open Strings Festival.

Musical Virtuosity and Influences

Peter Finger's artistry harmonizes virtuosity, musicality, and composition in a way that is rare in contemporary music. His musical canvas is unbounded, drawing upon classical traditions like Debussy, Ravel, and Stravinsky, as well as contemporary rock styles. His experimental tapestry of rhythm, harmony, and melody creates a captivating orchestral experience.