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 144 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to 'a Professor' from Sir Hugh Percy Allen, c 04 January 1940
Letter, 4 January [n.y], Chichester, Hugh Allen to 'a Professor'. Inviting the recipient to join the committee of the Tovey memorial fund. Holograph signed.
Letter to Alfred Richter from Joseph Joachim, 19 May 1902
Letter, 19 May 1902, London, Joseph Joachim to Alfred Richter. Introducing Tovey as an ' excellent young musician' with a wide breadth of music knowledge. Typescript copy, letter ripped at centre fold line.
Letter to Alfred Richter from Joseph Joachim, 19 May 1902
Letter, 19 May 1902, London, Joseph Joachim to Alfred Richter. introducing Tovey as an ' excellent young musician' with a wide breadth of musical knowledge. Ms. Transcript, by Miss. Weisse.
Letter to Annie Freidberg from Richard G. Appel, 02 November 1925
Letter, 2 November 1925, Boston, Richard G. Appel to Annie Freidberg. Asking if Tovey would be available to give a lecture at Boston public library. Typescript copy.
Letter to Annie Friedberg from Arthur Quimby, 12 August 1926
Letter, 12 August 1926, Arthur Quimby to Annie Friedberg. Enclosing a signed contract from Tovey and informing Friedberg that Tovey will speak on ' The development of modern music'. Typescript copy, torn.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Julius Rontgen, 18 February 1904
Letter, 18 February 1904, Amsterdam, Julius Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Discussing Tovey's position as judge of the Prix d' excellence and enclosing composition work. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Julius Rontgen, 05 May 1925
Letter, 5 May 1925, Amsterdam, Julius Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Discussing Tovey's role as Judge in the Prix d' excellence in Amsterdam. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Marga Denecke, 22 December 1921
Letter, 22 December 1921, Oxford, Marga Denecke to Donald Tovey. Offering to help Tovey over a situation concerning Moor and the Aeolian company. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Marga Denecke, 04 June 1922
Letter, 4 June 1922, Marga Denecke to Donald Tovey. Describing problems encountered with the Aeolian company. Holograph signed.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardiner Grierson from Bronislaw Hubermann, 07 July 1924
Letter, 2 July 1924, Badgestein, Bronislaw Hubermann to Mary Grierson. Explaining that Huberman is to busy to play with Tovey this season, but would like to do so in the future. Holograph signed.