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 Annie Friedberg from Arthur Quimby, 12 August 1926
Letter, 12 August 1926, Arthur Quimby to Annie Friedberg. Enclosing a signed contract from Tovey and informing Friedberg that Tovey will speak on ' The development of modern music'. Typescript copy, torn.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Julius Rontgen, 15 December 1922
Letter, 15 December 1922, Julius Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Discussing fees and the cost of giving a concert both publically and privately. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Bronislaw Huberman, 09 October 1920
Letter, 9 October 1920, Copenhagen, Bronislaw Huberman to Donald Tovey. Agreeing to give a recital with Tovey and suggesting a fee, details of arrival in Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Camillo Ritter, 02 March 1919
Letter, 2 March 1919, Glasgow, Camillo Ritter to Donald Tovey. Apologising for not being able to attend a reversal, and discussing his fee for attending the rehearsals. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Cyril Pearce, 24 April 1939
Letter, 24 April 1939, Norwich, Cyril Pearce to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his assistance at the last concert and asking if Tovey is owed any money from his trip. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Guilhermina Suggia, c1920
Letter, [n.d], Northumberland, Guilhermina Suggia to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for offering to play at a concert, but admitting that Suggia will not be able to pay Tovey a full fee. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Heinrich Swoboda, c1930
Letter, [n.d], Heinrich Swoboda to Donald Tovey. Discussing plans to pay Tovey and Szell for concert performances in Czechoslavakia, asking Tovey to bring the 'Euranthe' score. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Henry Havergal, c 28 November 1930
Letter, 28 November 1930, Edinburgh, Henry Havergal to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his efforts, considering the small pay cheque. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Janet Young, c1920
Letter, [n.d], Fife, Janet Young to Donald Tovey. Paying Tovey a small sum for appearing in the Madras College, Classical Chamber Concerts. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Marshall, 18 November 1924
Letter, 18 November 1924, Edinburgh, Marshall to Donald Tovey. Confirming the date for Tovey's broadcast on 'The Genius of Mozart' and the fee. Holograph signed.