Harold Bauer (April 28, 1873 - March 12, 1951) was a noted pianist who began his musical career as a violinist. Harold Bauer was born in London, his father a German violinist and his mother an Englishwoman. He took up the study of the violin under the direction of his father and Adolf Pollitzer. He made his debut as a violinist in London in 1883, and for nine years toured England. In 1892, however, he went to Paris and studied the piano under Ignacy Paderewski for a year, though still maintaining his interest in the violin.

During 1893-94 he traveled all through Russia, giving piano recitals and concerts, after which he returned to Paris. Further recitals in the French capital brought him renown, and he almost immediately received engagements in France, Germany and Spain. His reputation was rapidly enhanced by these performances, and his field of operation extended through the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, England, Scandinavia and the United States