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 27 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Albert Schweitzer from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 09 April 1929
Letter, 9 April 1929, Edinburgh, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Albert Schweitzer. Covering letter for the score of "The Bride of Dionysus". Holograph signed, photocopy.
Letter to [Hubert James Foss] from Margaret. N. O. Baily, 27 November 1941
Letter, 27 November 1941, Midlothian, Margaret. N. O. Baily to [Hubert Foss]. Covering letter for letters from Tovey, informing Foss of the wealth of material Baily has on the Bride of Dionysus, suggesting she write down her reminiscences of Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Mr Cameron from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 14 January 1932
Letter, 14 January 1932, Edinburgh, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Mr. Cameron. Expressing a sympathy with the Edinburgh opera company. Ms. transcript by Hubert Foss.
Letter to Mrs Baily from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, March 1929
Letter, [ March 1929 ], Edinburgh, Donald Francis Tovey to Mrs. Baily. Opera, especially Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde ". Ms. transcript by Hubert James Foss.
Letter to Mrs. Baily from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 05 March 1932
Letter, 5 March 1932, Edinburgh, Donald Tovey to Mrs. Baily. Thanking Mrs. Baily for giving a lecture on The Bride of Dionysus. Ms. transcript by Hubert Foss.
Letter to Robert Calverley Trevelyan from Charel Guthrie, 24 May 1929
Letter, 24 May 1929, Edinburgh, Charles Guthrie to Robert Trevelyan. Concerning the finances of ' The Bride of Dionysus'. Typescript signed.
Letter to Robert Calverley Trevelyan from Charles Guthrie, 23 January 1929
Letter, 23 January 1929, Edinburgh, Charles Guthrie to R. C. Trevelyan. Discussion of the draft agreement with The Edinburgh Opera Comapny for the production of 'The Bride of Dionysus '. Typescript signed.
Letter to Robert Calverley Trevelyan from Charles Guthrie, 21 February 1929
Letter, 21 February 1929, Edinburgh, Charles Guthrie to R. C. Trevelyan. Requesting that Trevelyan sign the agreement between the Edinburgh Opera Company, himself and Tovey, concerning ' The Bride of Dionysus '. Typescript signed.
Letter to Robert Calverley Trevelyan from Charles Guthrie, 02 February 1929
Letter, 2 February 1929, Edinburgh, Charles Guthrie to Robert Trevelyan. Discussion of the contract between Tovey, Trevelyan and the Edinburgh Opera Company. Typescript signed.
Letter to Robert Calverley Trevelyan from Charles Guthrie, 25 February 1929
Letter, 25 February 1929, Edinburgh, Charles Guthrie to Robert Trevelyan. Enclosing a letter from Charles Ricketts, and discussing the agreement over ' The Bride of Dionysus' . Typescript signed.