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 18 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Hubert James Foss from John B. R. Whitfield, 20 January 1947
Letter, 20 January 1947, Edinburgh, John B. R. Whitfield to Hubert Foss. Describing a letter Tovey sent to Whitfield while Whitfield was student at Edinburgh University working towards an honours degree in music. Holograph signed.
Letter to Hubert James Foss from Lee Ashton, 05 May 1942
Letter, 5 May 1942, Edinburgh, Lee Ashton to Hubert Foss. Covering letter for letters from Tovey to Lee Ashton. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sidney Newman from Henry Harvey Wood, 25 October 1943
Letter, 25 October 1943, Edinburgh, H. Harvey Wood to Sidney Newman. Covering note for a batch of Tovey programmes, for Newman and the University librarian. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Adrian Cedric Boult from D. Dickson, 04 February 1943
Letter, 4 February 1943, Edinburgh, D. Dickson to Adrian Boult. Thanking Boult for his letter about the Tovey prize and expressing Newmans feelings on the subject. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from E. Edward, 12 April 1923
Letter, 12 April 1923, Edinburgh, E. Edward to Donald Tovey. Requesting a reference for the position of organist and choirmaster at St. Giles cathedral. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Elizabeth Pickerly, 28 May 1921
Letter, 28 May 1921, Edinburgh, Elizabeth Pickerly to Donald Tovey. Asking if one of Tovey's pupils could teach Pickerly and her brother music theory. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Janet Teissier du Cros, c1930
Letter, [n.d], Edinburgh, Janet Grierson to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey and explaining how Janet Grierson feels unworthy of this help. Holograph signed, Janet Grierson better known under her married name, Janet Tessier Du Cros.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Mackay, 09 February 1919
Letter, 9 February 1919, Edinburgh, John Mackay to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that Mackay is unable to take up a position in the orchestra. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Margaret Kennedy, 25 September 1923
Letter, 25 September 1923, Edinburgh, Margaret Kennedy to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for helping the School concert scheme. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from R. Phillip, 31 January 1920
Letter, 31 January 1920, Edinburgh, R. Phillip to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for talking to the fellows of the Royal college of physicians. Holograph signed.