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 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, 21 June 1937
Letter, 21 June 1937, Sussex, Donald Tovey to Mary Grierson. Suggestions for forthcoming concert. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Erik Chisholm, 11 August 1939
Letter, 11 August 1939, Sussex, Erik Chisolm to Donald Tovey. Discussion of the formation of a National Council of music, inviting Tovey to stay. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Christie, 18 March 1936
Letter, 18 March 1936, Sussex, John Christie to Donald Tovey. Explaining that Christie is looking for an opera written by a British composer ' which will be the greatest opera of our generation'. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Christie, 08 April 1936
Letter, 8 April 1936, Sussex, John Christie to Donald Tovey. Suggesting difficulties as to putting on The Bride of Dionysus at The Glyndebourne festival, suggestions for successful opera. Typescript signed.