The Irish Songs of Hamilton Harty, Vol. 1

Hamilton Harty (1879-1941) was a prolific art-song and orchestral composer as well as a world-renowned conductor. This volume includes some of his best-known and most critically acclaimed songs. It's an essential purchase for high and low voices. The book also includes some alternate keys and offers great variety for advanced pianists. This is a must-purchase for musicians interested celebrating such a prominent figure in Irish music.

This volume includes his best-known song, "Sea Wrack," as well as "The Rachray Man," known for its wit and Irish brogue. Two of his most critically acclaimed songs, the mystical "By the Bivouac's Fitful Flame," with text by Whitman; and the wild "A Drover," with text by Colum, are among the many gems in this volume. Contents also include "Bonfires" and "Rose Madness," florid Romantic songs on texts by W.L. Bultitaft; the charming "Lane o' the Thrushes" and "Scythe Song;" and his first song cycle, "Five Irish Sketches," all with texts by Irish poets.

Jane Harty, D.M.A., is the grandniece of Sir Hamilton Harty, who was called "the Irish Toscanini". She is a pianist and specialist in his songs and has performed them internationally in collaboration with outstanding singers. Dr. Harty has edited the first collected edition of these wonderful Irish songs, most of which were out of print until the creation of this new edition.