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 12 Collections and/or Records:
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.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Dame Ethel Mary Smythe, 14 June 1930
Letter, 14 June 1930, Woking, Ethel Smythe to Mary Grierson. Attempting to arrange a suitable date to perform a work called ' The Prison', . Holograph signed.
Letter to Robin Legge Esq. from Augner Ltd., 07 February 1913
Letter, 7 February 1913, London, Augner Ltd. to Robin Legge Esq.. Praising the work of a composer and musician [Tovey], enclosing reviews of the latest performances of his works and a prospectus of the Chelsea concerts, and expressing the hope that the artist will be supported by the English public. Typescript incomplete, first page of letter, L2501.
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, 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.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Cyril Pearce, 14 June 1937
Letter, 14 June 1937, Norwich, Cyril Pearce to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for agreeing to be President of the Norwich Chamber Orchestra and a programme for the coming season. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Ibbs and Tillett, 16 September 1922
Letter, 16 September 1922, London, Ibbs and Tillett to Donald Tovey. Asking whether Tovey would be prepared to ask Dohnyani to perform at one of his concerts. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Joaquim Pena, c1920
Letter, [n.d], Barcelona, Joaquim Pena to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey on the behalf of the ' Orquestra Pau Casals ' for offering to do two concerts. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Margaret Kennedy, 25 September 1923
Letter, 25 September 1923, Edinburgh, Margaret Kennedy to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for helping the School concert scheme. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Robert Finnie McEwen, c1930
Letter, [n.d], Berwickshire, Robert Finnie McEwen to Donald Tovey. Arranging a suitable date for Tovey to give a performance. Holograph, incomplete.