Tovey, Sir Donald Francis, 1875-1940 (Reid Professor of Music, University of Edinburgh)
Dates
- Existence: 1875 - 1940
Biography
Donald Francis Tovey was born at Eton on 17 July 1875. His father was an Assistant Master at Eton College. He was educated privately by the music and general teacher Miss Sophie Weisse (1851-1945) and later on studied under Sir Walter Parratt (1841-1924) and Sir C. H. Parry (1848-1918). Tovey then won a music scholarship to Balliol College, Oxford, graduating with a BA, Classical honours, in 1898. As a pianist, a series of chamber music concerts followed in London, Berlin and Vienna where he played with Halle, Joachim, Hausmann, Casals, and other artists. He also composed. In 1914 he was appointed to the Reid Chair of Music at Edinburgh University in succession to Professor Niecks (1845-1924). As Professor he broadened the music curriculum by instituting classes in musical interpretation, orchestration, history and analysis, thorough-bass, score reading, and advanced counter-point and composition. Tovey also established and conducted the Reid Orchestra and organised an annual series of concerts. His musical compositions were in many forms including chamber music, symphony, grand opera and concerto, and probably the most famous was his opera The bride of Dionysus produced in Edinburgh in 1929. His literary publications include the six volumes of Essays in musical analysis (1935-1939), and A musician talks (1941). Tovey was knighted in 1935. Sir Donald Francis Tovey died on 10 July 1940.
Found in 100 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Andersen Strecker, c1920
Letter, 1916 Feb 6, A Strecker to Donald Tovey. Anticipating press reviews of Tovey's concerts, informing Tovey that he is working on a new opera by Korngold and thanking Tovey for offering sympathy over the death of his son. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Camillo Ritter, 16 September 1919
Letter, 16 September 1919, Glasgow, Camillo Ritter to Donald Tovey. Discussing the orchestra, the establishment of an advisory committee, and comment on Tovey's opera. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles de Sousy Ricketts, c 1928
Letter, [n.d], London, Charles Ricketts to Donald Tovey. Details of a meeting with Hedmount who disliked plans for scenery, and news that Ricketts is looking after an ill friend. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles de Sousy Ricketts, c1928
Letter, [n.d], London, Charles Ricketts to Donald Tovey. Details of the progress of the scenery and costumes for the Bride of Dionysus. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles de Sousy Ricketts, c 21 April 1929
Letter, [21 April 1929], London, Charles Ricketts to Donald Tovey. Wishing Tovey and Trevelyan success and news of some improvement in Rickett's friend Shannon. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles Guthrie, 06 May 1929
Letter, 6 May 1929, Edinburgh, Charles Guthrie to Donald Tovey. Discussing finances of ' The Bride of Dionysus'. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles Guthrie, 27 April 1929
Letter, 27 April 1929, Edinburgh, Charles Guthrie to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on 'The Bride of Dionysus '. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Elizabeth Trevelyan, c 04 July 1913
Letter, 4 July [1913], Surrey, Elizabeth Trevelyan to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey take Robert Trevelyan into his confidence, and elucidate his plans for the opera. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Emily Ritchie, c 1929
Letter, [n.y], Emily Ritchie to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on the success of his opera. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Florence Hall, 19 March 1929
Letter, 19 March 1929, London, Florence Hall to Donald Tovey. Expressing delight at the production of the ''Bride of Dionysus', and news of her husbands illness. Holograph signed.