MUSICIAN’S DEATH

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20486, 21 February 1941, Page 7

MUSICIAN’S DEATH

SIR HAMILTON HARTY COMPOSER & CONDUCTOR IRISH SYMPHONIES (Reed. Feb. 21, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 20. The death is announced of the distinguished composer and , conductor, Sir Hamilton Harty, aged 61 years. The late Sir Hamilton Harty was born in Ireland in 1880, and was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, Victoria University, Manchester, and the Royal College of Music. He was a Doctor of Music, and from the first he embarked on a career as a composer and conductor. In 1904 he married Miss Agnes Nicholls, the very distinguished singer. One of her most successful parts was in the presentation of Elgar’s “Starlight Express” with another remarkable singer, who was killed in the war. Sir Hamilton Harty first came under public notice as organist at Magheracoll in Ireland . As there were not many"people there, he; moved on to Belfast, and then to Dublin, where he became eminent 43 years ago. In 1900 he went to London, and worked as a pianist and accompanist. He was rich in ideas as a composer and his Irish Symphony Comedy Overture, and his “Ode to a Nightingale,” for soprano and orchestra, gained him many admirers. Famous Orchestras Sir Hamilton was associated with a number of famous orchestras, such as the London Symphony Orchestra, but was best known for his connection with the famous Halle • Orchestra of Manchester, which gained him as its conductor in 1920 v Under his leadership the orchestra enjoyed a remarkable series of successes during his 13 years’ conductorship. He also conducted for the British National Opera Company. Among his most famous works were his Irish Symphony, his Violin Concertp in D Minor, his Pianoforte Concerto in B Minor, his Comedy Overture and “Mystic Trumpeter” which was written for chorus and orchestra. He wrote numerous Songs and instrumental pieces and made one brilliant re-scoring the Handel “Water Music,” which was a great popular success of its day and which he brought back to popularity. Sir Hamilton was knighted in 1925, and his wife is also a Dame of the Order of the British Empire.