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 6 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Elma Burnett, 01 October 1921
Letter, 1 October 1921, Edinburgh, Elma Burnett to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for a testimonial and his offer of coaching. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Eugene Zador, 22 July 1939
Letter, 22 July 1939, New York, Eugene Zador to Donald Tovey. Discussing Tovey's performance of Zador's 'Rondo' and requesting a reference from Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Gerhard Herz, 19 September 1934
Letter, 19 September 1934, Dusseldorf, Gerhard Herz to Donald Tovey. Describing the political situation in Germany and asking Tovey's help so Herz can get his dissertation published in the United Kingdom and secure work as a musician and scholar. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Heinrich Swoboda, 17 March 1937
Letter, 17 March 1937, Prague, Heinrich Swoboda to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey for a reference for the B. B. C, describing a radio broadcast and concert plans. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Kate Friskin, c29 March 1930
Letter, 29 March 1930, London, Kate Friskin to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey for a letter of reference to enable her to look for work in America. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Robert Bruce, 15 June 1939
Letter, 15 June 1939, Amsterdam, Robert Bruce to Donald Tovey. Request for Tovey to send a reference for Bruce to Professor Beveridge at Oxford University. Holograph signed.