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 Bernard Hoffman from Frank Morley Fletcher, 30 April 1924
Letter, 30 April 1924, California, Frank Morley Fletcher to Bernard Hoffman. Suggesting that Tovey be told of the diversities of the musical community of Santa Barbara before he arrives. Typescript signed.
Letter to Mrs. Baily from [ Endeaelum], 16 December 1941
Letter, 16 December 1941, Edinburgh, [ Endeaelum] to Mrs. Baily. Answering a query concerning a Canticulum that was sung at club meetings when Tovey was present. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Arthur James Balfour, 20 February 1918
Letter, 20 February 1918, London, A. Balfour to Donald Tovey. A letter of encouragement and assurance that Balfour will continue to be a patron. Holograph signed, in pencil on back of the letter Tovey has written a chorus for a song ' Israel in Egypt ' .
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 Unknown from Rev David Bruce Nicol, 08 November 1920
Letter, 8 November 1920, Edinburgh, D. Bruce Nicol to Unknown. Requesting that the recipient introduce Bruce Nicol to Tovey to advise on plans to start a musical association. Holograph signed.