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 5 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Mary Gardner Grierson from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 18 June 1936
Letter, 18 June 1936, Sussex, Donald Tovey to Mary Grierson. Advising Grace Johnston to apply for a specified job. Holograph signed.
Letter to Mary Gardner Grierson from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 03 July 1936
Letter, 3 July 1936, Sussex, Donald Tovey to Mary Grierson. Suggesting that a post be found for Klinger in Edinburgh University music faculty. Typescript signed.
Letter to Mary Gardner Grierson from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 15 July 1936
Letter, 15 July 1936, Aix les Bain, Donald Tovey to Mary Grierson. Concerning the appointment of Klinger. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Ralph T. Langdon, 14 April 1923
Letter, 14 April 1923, Stuttgart, Ralph T. Langdon to Donald Tovey. Expressing an enthusiasm for the vacant post at St. Giles and detailing his plans unless Tovey requires him back in Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Ralph T. Langdon, 07 May 1923
Letter, 7 May 1923, Edinburgh, Ralph T. Langdon to Donald Tovey. Asking for advice concerning the vacancy at St. Giles, and a contact address for Tovey. Holograph signed.