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 Pablo Casals from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 12 April 1936
Letter, 12 April 1936, Bath, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Pablo Casals. Discussing treatments for his hands, suggesting a record be made of Casals concert, introducing Hubert Foss. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Fritz Busch, 11 February 1936
Letter, 11 February 1936, Copenhagen, Fritz Busch to Donald Tovey. Expressing concern for Tovey's illness, requesting Tovey's ' Essays in musical analysis' news that Tovey's cello concerto is to be played in Copenhagen, and plans for Danish State Radio to broadcast music by Tovey. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Johannes and Julia Rontgen, 26 August 1932
Letter, 26 August 1932, Northumberland, Johannes and Julia Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Concern over Tovey's health, news of composition work and of performing the compositions. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Kenneth Anderson, 09 December 1928
Letter, 9 December 1928, Edinburgh, Kenneth Anderson to Donald Tovey. Describing a performance that Tovey could not attend because of ill health and wishing Tovey a speedy recovery. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Lucy Sklovsky, 16 May 1922
Letter, 16 May 1922, Edinburgh, Lucy Sklovsky to Donald Tovey. News of Slovsky's family, an outbreak of Scarlet fever and a production of Carmen. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Frances Tovey, c1900
Letter, [n.d], Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Describing Tovey's indigestion, asking for advice concerning the performance of Tovey's violin sonata at the Oxford University musical club. Photocopy of Holograph signed.