Hamilton Harty (1879-1941) was an Irish conductor, composer and pianist, one of the major figures in British and Irish musical life between the wars. He was closely associated with the Hallé Orchestra.

In the Pristine catalogue he appears extensively as conductor and pianist, in Berlioz, Schubert, British music, acoustic concerto recordings and the Columbia Beethoven series.

Harty’s importance lies in the breadth of his recorded presence and in his role as a practical musician of rare range: accompanist, conductor, arranger, composer and orchestral builder.

His page is essential. Harty gives this catalogue a brisk Irish-British current: sleeves rolled up, baton ready, piano stool still warm.