(1879-1941)
A composer from Ireland, whose musical compositions often flaunted the love of his homeland. He sometimes used authentic folk tunes in his music, but just as often created his own musical ideas, which borrowed from the modes of Ireland.
Unfortunately, when Harty received a gig conducting the Hallé Orchestra, whose collaboration was mightily successful, his music writing faded away, aside from some items he wrote for his ensemble.
In that respect, he created/arranged some items honoring GF Handel, such as the Water Music Suites and Royal Fireworks, among some others. Such pursuits will seem mightily out of date today.
Otherwise, Harty has a small amount of orchestral, concertante, and chamber works to his name. They are of a Romantic quality, following some ideals of the Pastoral School around that time.
He might not be a household name, but for anyone who enjoys this time period in Britain, Harty is worth looking into. In the late 70's and early 80's, Bryden Thomson recorded much of his orchestral music, and it has been reissued and repackaged a number of times.
Recordings and reviews currently on hand (Click below to visit):
1993: John Field Suite
1996: Piano Concerto & Violin Concerto
1996: Children of Lir & Ode to a Nightingale
1996: An Irish Symphony & With the Wild Geese
1998: Handel Suites
2004: Orchestral Works
2006: Fantasy Scenes (From an Eastern Romance)
2012: String Quartets & Piano Quintet