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 G. W. Ballingall from J. A. Barlow, 23 April 1934
Letter, 23 April 1934, London, J. A. Barlow to G. W. Ballingall. Informing Ballingall that Tovey is being considered by the Prime Minister for a recommendation in the Birthday honours list. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Guy Maynard Liddell, 23 February 1937
Letter, 23 February 1937, Surrey, G. Liddell to Donald Tovey. Outlining an attempt to gain Royal support for Tovey's work. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Adrian Cedric Boult, 04 March 1937
Letter, 4 March 1937, London, Adrian Boult to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on his knighthood, plans for Casals and the concerto and news of a satisfactory recording of a Symphony. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Edward William Elgar, 16 December 1932
Letter, 16 December 1932, London, Edward Elgar to Donald Tovey. Acknowledging some correspondence from Tovey, and confirming that Tovey is to be honoured. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Frederick Mander, 07 January 1935
Letter, 7 January 1935, London, F. Mander to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on his knighthood. Ms. Transcript by Miss. Weisse, with letter from Radford Jones & co.