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 39 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Albert Schweitzer from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 01 June 1928
Letter, June 1928, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Albert Schweitzer. Discussing plans to give Schweitzer an honorary doctorates from the University of Edinburgh. Holograph signed, photocopy.
Letter to Albert Schweitzer from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 09 May 1932
Letter, 9 May 1932, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Albert Schweitzer. Concerning ' The Bride of Dionysus', an organ recital in St. Giles cathedral, Edinburgh and Scweitzer's honorary degree from Edinburgh University music faculty. Holograph signed, photocopy.
Letter to Albert Schweitzer from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1935
Letter, 1935, Suffolk, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Albert Schweitzer. Discussions of Tovey's speech with Casals and Schweitzer and informing Schweitzer that Tovey has received a knighthood. Holograph signed, photocopy.
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 Donald Tovey from Pablo Casals, 12 June 1934
Letter, 12 June 1934, Pablo Casals to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for encouragement, describing a Haydn concert, and an important day in Casals life. Holograph signed.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Sophie Weisse, 18 March 1938
Letter, 18 March 1938, Edinburgh, Sophie Weisse to Mary Grierson. Praising Grierson's musicianship, and expressing Weisses admiration and affection for Grierson. Holograph signed.
Letter to Guisepe Buonamici from Joseph Joachim, 09 April 1906
Letter, 9 April 1906, Berlin, Joseph Joachim to Guisepe Buonamici. Introducing Tovey and describing his talents, to Buonamici. Ms. Transcript by Miss. Weisse.
Letter to Mary Gardner Grierson from Sir Donald Franics Tovey, 14 July 1938
Letter, 14 July 1938, Suffolk, Donald Tovey to Mary Grierson. Concerned with a leaving presentation for a member of staff. 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.