WorldView Episode 26: Hamilton Harty
Nicknamed “the Prince of Accompanists”, Sir Hamilton Harty is not best remembered for his compositions. Instead, his careers as a pianist and conductor distinguished him from other 20th century composers in the United Kingdom. “Irish Symphony”, featured in episode twenty-six of WorldView, is one of his few works still performed today.
Herbert Hamilton Harty was born in 1879, in County Down, Ireland. One of ten children, he was instructed in viola and piano, later following in his father’s footsteps and serving as organist for Magheragall Parish Church. As a teenager, Harty was introduced to his first symphony by Michele Esposito, a professor at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. To continue his studies, a young Harty moved to London; in only months, his talents as an accompanist were well known. He also wrote several pieces to critical acclaim, including “Comedy Overture (1907)”, which debuted at the Proms later that year.
Around this time, Harty was asked to conduct the London Symphony Orchestra; after a disappointing first season, he was not invited back. In 1914, the accompanist shifted focus towards the Hallé Orchestra, a group he would revitalize during his thirteen-year stint as chief conductor. In the 1920s, the Manchester-based Hallé was considered one of the best orchestras in England. Harty often revived his skills as an accompanist, skillfully guiding the orchestra through mistakes made by the soloists or distractions in the audience. However, after accepting an offer to again work with the LSO, Harty was dismissed by the orchestra which had him famous. He worked with the Symphony for only two years before health issues forced him into semi-retirement. He passed away in 1941 from tumor complications, leaving behind a considerable reputation in Ireland and the U.K.
Episode twenty-six of WorldView includes one of Harty’s best known works—“Irish Symphony”—performed by the Belfast-based Ulster Orchestra and conductor Bryden Thomas. The piece was completed in 1904, and performed by Harty in his conducting debut. The second movement of “Irish Symphony” is most well-known and features several traditional Irish folk tunes.
WorldView Episode Twenty-Six Playlist:
Hamilton HARTY, “Irish Symphony”, {Ulster Orchestra, Bryden Thomas} - Chandos
Susan KANDER, “Circle Music III For Bassoon and Piano”, {Christin Schillinger (bas), Jed Moss (pf)} - MSR Classics
Irving FINE, “Partita for Wind Quintet”, {New York Wind Quintet} - Elektra Nonesuch
WorldView is a classical music radio show featuring composers from everywhere in the world - except Western Europe. Tune in to hear works by lesser-known artists such as Gabriela Montero and Bright Sheng, and widen your knowledge of classical music. Hinke Younger hosts each week’s episode of WorldView on Mondays at 9AM and again at 6PM on Charlottesvilleclassical.org.