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 30 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Jean Kennedy from H. A. Scott, 20 July 1939
Letter, 20 July 1939, London, H. A. Scott to Jean Kennedy. Hoping that Tovey recovers soon and enclosing a schedule of latest dates articles for the Encyclopaedia Brittanica may be received. Typescript signed.
Letter to Mr Craxton from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1930
Letter, 6 June [n.y.], London, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Mr Craxton. Concerning corrections to previous written works. Ms. transcript by Hubert Foss.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Ben James, 10 February 1939
Letter, 10 February 1939, London, Ben James to Donald Tovey. Discussion of a report concerning Humphrey Milford's publication of a new edition of Handel's Messiah. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Franz Theodor Reizenstein, 03 April 1937
Letter, 3 April 1937, London, Franz Reizenstein to Donald Tovey. Discussing Tovey's article in 'The Listener', and discussion of broadcasts and publications concerning Hindemith. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Frederick Henry Evans, 12 February 1928
Letter, 12 February 1928, London, F. H. Evans to Donald Tovey. Praising Tovey's article on Schubert in 'The heritage of music', and other works. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Gustav Holst, 20 September 1923
Letter, 20 September 1923, London, Gustav Holst to Donald Tovey. Details of a German translation of Holst's 'Hymn of Jesus' by Lauckner, and the problems of publication, and invitation to dine with Holst. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Gustav Theodore Holst, 29 November 1923
Letter, 29 November 1923, London, Gustav Holst to Donald Tovey. Discussion of Lauckner's German translation of 'The Hymn of Jesus' and the problems with publishing the work. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Harold Solomon Samuel, 29 May 1939
Letter, 29 May 1939, London, Harold Samuel to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that the Associated Board are keen to produce the 48th. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Henry Harry Cope Colles, 31 March 1924
Letter, 31 March 1924, London, H.C. Colles to Donald Tovey. Request that Tovey prepare an article on Beethoven for the Grove dictionary. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Jonathon Reeves, 18 March 1939
Letter, 18 March 1939, London, Jonathon Reeves to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that his work on Beethoven's piano sonatas will soon be profit making, financial arrangements for the profits of the book. Typescript signed.