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 13 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Sophie Weisse, 01 December 1938
Letter, 1 December 1938, Edinburgh, Sophie Weisse to Mary Grierson. Arranging to meet, discussion of Tovey's heart condition. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Dr Mary Gardner Grierson, 28 October 1938
Letter, 28 October 1938, Edinburgh, Mary Grierson to Donald Tovey. Requesting some written work to publish in a concert programme, news of concerts and concern about Tovey's hands. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John [Knope], 16 July 1918
Letter, 16 July 1918, Edinburgh, John [Knope] to Donald Tovey. Sympathising with Tovey's severe cold. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Kenneth Anderson, 09 December 1928
Letter, 9 December 1928, Edinburgh, Kenneth Anderson to Donald Tovey. Describing a performance that Tovey could not attend because of ill health and wishing Tovey a speedy recovery. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Lucy Sklovsky, 16 May 1922
Letter, 16 May 1922, Edinburgh, Lucy Sklovsky to Donald Tovey. News of Slovsky's family, an outbreak of Scarlet fever and a production of Carmen. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir James Alfred Ewing, 24 February 1925
Letter, 24 February 1925, Edinburgh, Alfred Ewing to Donald Tovey. Apologising for bothering Tovey when he is ill, and wishing Tovey well. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 13 April 1923
Letter, 13 April 1923, Edinburgh, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Expressing sympathy and offering help, news of Miss. Weisse's health and her mourning in the absence of the dear boy. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 25 April 1935
Letter, 25 April 1935, Edinburgh, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Description of Miss. Weisse's bad health, giving Tovey some advice. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from W. Wainsupp, 04 March 1931
Letter, 4 March 1931, Edinburgh, W. Wainsupp to Donald Tovey. Sympathising with Tovey's confinement due to illness assuring Tovey that the Reid Orchestra will perform well without him. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Taylor, c1933
Letter, [1933], Edinburgh, William Taylor to Donald Tovey. Discussing Tovey's sister-in-law's health. Holograph signed, incomplete.