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 Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from George Parker, 18 November 1924
Letter, 18 November 1924, Middlesex, George Parker to Mary Grierson. Expressing his appreciation for the chance to sing with the Reid orchestra and praising Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Camillo Ritter, 12 September 1919
Letter, 12 September 1919, Glasgow, Camillo Ritter to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey if Ritter is to be part of Tovey's orchestral scheme. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Mackay, 09 February 1919
Letter, 9 February 1919, Edinburgh, John Mackay to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that Mackay is unable to take up a position in the orchestra. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from the Leader of the Scottish Orchestra, 30 June 1920
Letter, 30 June 1920, Interlaken, Leader of the Scottish Orchestra to Donald Tovey. Introducing himself to Tovey, and asking for a place in the Reid Orchestra. Holograph signed.
Telegram to Dunn from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c 25 May 1925
Telegram, 25 May 1925, Surrey, Donald Tovey to Dunn. Requesting the terms of the Reid orchestra. Transcript.