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 28 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Hilliard, 26 October 1906
Letter, 26 October 1906, Oxford, Edward Hiliard to Donald Tovey. Discussion of an issue at Balliol. Ms. Transcript.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Ernest Walker, 26 December 1908
Letter, 26 December 1908, Oxford, Ernest Walker to Sophie Weisse. Thanking Miss. Weisse for a picture of herself and Tovey, suggesting that it is a privilege to teach Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Oxford Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1895
Letter, [1895], Oxford Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Details of Tovey's progress in his studies at Balliol. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1895
Letter, 1895, Oxford, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Thanking Miss. Weisse for sending presents, details of a concert given by Paderewski, criticising a piano, Tovey's studying plans, and other news. Photocopy of Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1897
Letter, 1897, Oxford, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Explaining a misunderstanding between Miss. Weisse and Tovey's father, and suggesting that they both can play a part in developing Tovey's reading skills. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 21 October 1894
Letter, 21 October 1894, Oxford, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. News of a tutorial with Farmer and a request that Tovey continue lessons with Parry. Photocopy of Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 21 October 1894
Letter, 21 October 1894, Oxford, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Describing a music lesson with Mr. Farmer and a discussion of his loyalty to Dr. Parry. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 01 December 1894
Letter, 1 December 1894, Oxford, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Discussion of Tovey's progress in classical scholarship, and his anxiety over balancing music scholarship and classical scholarship. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1895
Letter, [n.d], Oxford, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Expressing Tovey's anxiety over his tiredness and inability to study. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 09 May 1895
Letter, 9 May 1895, Oxford, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Description of Tovey's busy schedule and University music exams. Holograph signed, with envelope.