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 10 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from [Brown], 06 March 1924
Letter, 6 March 1924, Biggar, [Brown] to Donald Tovey. Praising Tovey's radio broadcast and memories of Tovey's visit to Hartree. Holograph incomplete.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 10 February 1892
Letter, 10 February 1892, Moffat, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for correspondence, and news of Aunt Jean. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 20 February 1892
Letter, 20 February 1892, Moffat, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. News of Louisa's health, informing Tovey that Hubert Parry would like to see some of his work. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 07 October 1898
Letter, 7 October 1898, Biggar, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Asking if Miss. Weisse knows of anything to prevent Tovey playing at the Oxford University Music club, and describing his practise. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 07 October 1898
Letter, 7 October 1898, Biggar, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Asking if Miss. Weisse knows of anything to prevent Tovey playing at the Oxford University Music club, and describing his practise. Typescript copy of L508.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 01 October 1898
Letter, 1 October 1898, Biggar, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Description of Tovey's piano practise especially method of practise. Holograph signed, with annotations in blue ink on first page by Sophie Weisse.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 01 October 1898
Letter, 1 October 1898, Biggar, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Description of Tovey's piano practise especially method of practise. Typescript copy of L510.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 03 August 1900
Letter, 3 August 1900, Biggar, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Note of Tovey's visit to Biggar. Typescript copy.
Postcard to Edward Speyer from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 30 September 1902
Postcard, 30 September 1902, Biggar, Donald Tovey to Edward Speyer. Acceptance of invitation to stay. Holograph signed, L143 - L144 sewn together.
Telegram to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 03 April 1891
Telegram, 3 April 1891, Moffat, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Telling Tovey of his mothers plans and informing him to visit. Typescript copy.