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 16 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Donald Tovey from Julius Rontgen, 28 June 1925
Letter, 28 June 1925, Holland, Julius Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Discussing Tovey's role as judge in the Prix d' excellence, informing Tovey that Jan de Boer is keen to study with him and inviting Tovey to play in a concert. Holograph signed.
Letter to Geoffrey Cotsell from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1931
Letter, [1931], Edinburgh, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Geoffrey Cotsell. Advice on passing a sight reading examination. Ms. transcript by Hubert Foss, with covering letter from Geoffrey Cotsell.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Francis Edward Gladstone, 27 January 1889
Letter, 27 January 1889, London, F. E. Gladstone to Donald Tovey. Suggesting that Tovey be examined verbally on the symphony of Mozart and that a memory of various classical movements is invaluable. Holograph signed, with ms., transcript and comments by Sophie Weisse, [1]p. 20 x 13cm and envelope.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Hugh Percy Allen, 09 October 1934
Letter 9 October 1934, London, Hugh Allen to Donald Tovey. A discussion of Music degree students and methods of teaching an examining. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Percy Carter Buck, 21 March 1925
Letter 21 March 1925, Percy Buck to Donald Tovey. Buck agreeing that four candidates should pass their second professional examinations. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Taylor, 28 May 1923
Letter, 28 May 1923, Edinburgh, William Taylor to Donald Tovey. Covering letter for a timetable of Birmingham University examinations, and news of The Edinburgh opera society. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Granville Ransome Bantock from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 13 November 1922
Letter, 13 November 1922, Edinburgh, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Sir Granville Bantock. Discussion of University examinations and two particular students. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Hugh Allen from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 23 November 1933
Letter, 23 November 1933, London, Donald Tovey to Hugh Allen. Allen assuring Tovey that he will help with examinations. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Thomas Henry Wait Armstrong from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 02 June 1939
Letter, 2 June 1939, Suffolk, Donald Tovey to Thomas Armstrong. Passing on degree work and examinations. Typescript.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 09 May 1895
Letter, 9 May 1895, Oxford, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Description of Tovey's busy schedule and University music exams. Holograph signed, with envelope.