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 23 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Betty Balfour, c1930
Letter, [n.d], Surrey, Betty Balfour to Donald Tovey. Discussion of the Joachim concerts, suggesting the Queens Hall as the venue, the London Orchestra and Tovey as conductor, guarantee of money and suggestions for pianists. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Betty Balfour, 08 February 1929
Letter, 8 February 1929, Surrey, Betty Balfour to Donald Tovey. Discussion of the appointment of a new chancellor. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Betty Balfour, 01 April 1930
Letter, 1 April 1930, Surrey, Betty Balfour to Donald Tovey. A response to Tovey's sympathy letter after the death of Arthur James Balfour. Holograph.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Betty Balfour, 14 June 1931
Letter, 14 June 1931, Surrey, Betty Balfour to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey what a pleasure it was to have him and his wife to stay. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Betty Balfour, 04 March 1937
Letter, 4 March 1937, Surrey, Betty Balfour to Donald Tovey. Details of the excitement of hearing Tovey's symphony on the ' wireless'. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Geoffrey Parratt, 06 September 1929
Letter, 6 September 1929, Woking, Geoffrey Parratt to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey send letters to his sisters direct, offering typing services and informing Tovey that Edward Arnold is keen to hear of any progress. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 05 November 1938
Letter, 5 November 1938, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Covering letter for ' a few precious things ', and a description of a book by Housman. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 20 June 1939
Letter, 20 June 1939, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. News of Lady de Vesci's death, and Miss. Weisse's memories of her. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, c1920
Letter, [n.d], Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Sending Tovey some writing material and describing Knaphill. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, c1914
Letter, [n.d], Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Describing paper that darkens lamps so no light escapes into the room, and the village Miss. Weisse is staying in. Holograph signed.