Herbert Hamilton Harty

Full biography Herbert Hamilton Harty

Herbert Hamilton Harty (1879-1941) was an Irish composer , conductor, pianist, and organist. He was born in Hillsborough, County Down in Ireland and was the fourth of ten children. Harty received his musical education at the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied composition under Charles Villiers Stanford and piano with Tobias Matthay. After graduation, he worked as a piano accompanist for various singers and instrumentalists.

Harty's compositions are known for their romantic style, and he wrote in a variety of genres, including orchestral works, chamber music, and songs. One of his most famous works is the "Irish Symphony," which is often regarded as the first significant orchestral work by an Irish composer. The first performance of the piece was given in London in 1904, and it was later performed in Dublin in 1905.

In addition to composing, Harty was also a renowned conductor, and he conducted many of the leading orchestras of his day. He was particularly noted for his interpretation of the music of Hector Berlioz and Richard Strauss, and he often programmed their works in his concerts.

Throughout his career, Harty received numerous accolades for his work. He was knighted in 1925 and was appointed the conductor of the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester, England, in 1920. He also conducted the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, among others.

Overall, Herbert Hamilton Harty was a prolific and highly-regarded composer and conductor of his time. His music is still performed and recorded today, and his contributions to the field of music continue to be appreciated by audiences and musicians alike.