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 5 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Adolf Busch, 07 July 1938
Letter, 7 July 1938, Basel, Adolf Busch to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to help Dr. and Mrs. Gombrich, jews in Vienna, informing Tovey that Toscanini has already written to support their refugee applicants. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Frida Busch, 25 March 1938
Letter, 25 March 1938, Basel, Frida Busch to Donald Tovey. Praising Tovey's compositions and inviting Tovey to the silver wedding service of Adolf and Frida Busch. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Herrman, 21 November 1931
Letter, 21 November 1931, Basel, Herrman to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for sending his Cello music and discussing the radio broadcast of Casal's concert and Adolf Buschs' concerts in America. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Rudolf Seikin, c1929
Letter, [n.d], Basel, Rudi Seikin to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to help Hans Gal who has fled Austria and is not allowed to stay in Switzerland discussing a concert given in Edinburgh by Adolf Busch. Holograph signed.
Postcard to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Fanny Davies, 23 September 1924
Postcard, 23 September 1924, Basel, Fanny Davies to Donald Tovey. Informing Grierson that Davies has recommended her as a teacher. Holograph signed, date as postmark.