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 29 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Annie Friedberg from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 08 January 1925
Letter, 8 January 1925, New York, Donald Tovey to Annie Friedberg. Requesting that Tovey send material that can be used to publicise his American concerts. Typescript incomplete.
Letter to Clara Gould from Annie Friedberg, 02 January 1925
Letter, 2 January 1925, New York, Annie Friedbourg to Clara Gould. Wishing Gould a happy New Year and informing her that she has had no news from Tovey. Typescript signed.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Bernard H. Haggin, 19 August 1952
Letter, 19 August 1952, New York, B. H. Haggin to Mary Grierson. Requesting the date of issue in which Constant Lambert attacked Tovey's ' Essays in musical analysis', also requesting any dates of reviews of Tovey's performances. Typescript signed, with envelope.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 30 September 1924
Letter, 30 September 1924, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Arranging a meeting with Tovey. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 20 November 1924
Letter, 20 November 1924, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Arranging a signing of contracts, suggesting that Tovey play at a festival and give recitals in Boston and New York. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 15 December 1924
Letter, 15 December 1924, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that Friedberg is arranging concert dates for him, discussing Mrs. Gould's patronage, asking Tovey if arrangements should be made with Steinway. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 09 April 1925
Letter, 9 April 1925, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Imploring that Tovey reply to her communications. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 14 August 1925
Letter, 14 August 1925, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Covering note for a letter, and confirmation of the change of dates for a concert at the Aolian hall. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 14 October 1925
Letter, 14 October 1925, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Note that a date could not be arranged in Oxford. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 14 October 1925
Letter, 14 October 1925, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey inform Friedberg of his whereabouts , arranging hotel accommodation in New York, confirming Tovey's invitation to the Steinway reception. Typescript incomplete.