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 Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Peter Charles Arthur Wishart, 06 June 1952
Letter, 6 May 1952, Birmingham, Peter Wishart to Mary Grierson. Praising Grierson's biography of Tovey, empathising with Tovey's struggles and a discussion of music teaching. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Ernest de Selincourt, 05 June 1923
Letter, 5 June 1923, Birmingham, Ede Selincourt to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey when he is arriving in Birmingham and arranging the best dates for Tovey to come. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Ernest de Selincourt, 14 March 1939
Letter, 14 March 1939, Birmingham, E de Selincourt to Donald Tovey. Discussion of the chair of music at the University of Birmingham, and the qualities the suitable candidate needs. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Granville Bantock, 25 June 1923
Letter, 25 June 1923, Birmingham, Granville Bantock to Donald Tovey. Arranging a suitable date for Tovey to play. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Granville Bantock, 15 June 1923
Letter,15 June 1923, Birmingham, Granville Bantock to Donald Tovey. Note on behalf of Mrs. Bantock saying she is looking forward to seeing Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Senne Parker, 14 November 1922
Letter, 14 November 1922, Birmingham. Senne Parker to Donald Tovey. News from Parker after her recent move to Birmingham. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Charles Grant Robertson, 10 March 1923
Letter, 10 March 1923, Birmingham, Charles Grant Robertson to Donald Tovey. Discussion of the Chair of music at Birmingham University and the discussion of music as a faculty within a University. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Granville Bantock, 21 March 1925
Letter, 21 March 1925, Birmingham, Granville Bantock to Donald Tovey. Concern over Lord Murray's illness, arranging a performance by Sibelius, looking forward to Tovey's visit. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Bentley, 07 June 1923
Letter, 7 June 1923, Birmingham, William Bentley to Donald Tovey. Explaining the details of a music scholarship and the candidates. Holograph signed.
Postcard to Mary Gardner Grierson from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 21 June 1937
Postcard, 21 June 1937, Birmingham, Donald Tovey to Mary Grierson. Concerning a work recommended by Fritz Busch. Holograph signed.