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 80 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Charles Glover Barkla from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 27 October 1928
Letter, 7 October 1928, Edinburgh, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Charles Glover Barkla. The teaching of music at Edinburgh University. Typescript signed.
Letter to Edward Speyer from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 15 December 1902
Letter, 15 December 1902, Surrey, Donald Tovey to Edward Speyer. Information about the Nettleship scholarship examinations and Balliol college. Holograph signed, L151 - L154 sewn together.
Letter to Ferdinand Speyer from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 13 July 1903
Letter, 13 July 1903, Surrey, Donald Tovey to Ferdinand Speyer. Congratulating Ferdinand on winning the Nettleship scholarship, Balliol College Oxford and offering advice.. Holograph signed, with envelope.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from 'A. Student', 12 March 1923
Letter, 12 March 1923, Edinburgh, 'A. Student' to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his Bach lectures and requesting that they be continued. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edgar Behrens, 06 April 1922
Letter, 6 April 1922, Yorkshire, Edgar Behrens to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to Bradford to speak about the Moor duplex piano. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Hilliard, 26 October 1906
Letter, 26 October 1906, Oxford, Edward Hiliard to Donald Tovey. Discussion of an issue at Balliol. Ms. Transcript.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Fritz Busch, 21 May 1931
Letter, 21 May 1931, Dresden, Fritz Busch to Donald Tovey. Recommending that a young musician and composer, Gottfried Muller, study with Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Gossfried Muller, 10 June 1931
Letter, 10 June 1931, Dresden, Gossfried Muller to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his musical instruction and tutoring. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from [H. B. W], 31 January 1921
Letter, 31 January 1921, [H. B. W] to Donald Tovey. Discussing teaching of a young boy in maths and music. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Hans Peter Busch, 01 May 1937
Letter, 1 May 1937, Hans Peter Busch to Donald Tovey. Discussing plans to study at the University of Edinburgh. Holograph signed.