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 3 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 Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Adrian Cedric Boult, 14 March 1933
Letter, 14 March 1933, London, Adrian Boult to Donald Tovey. Confirming that Adrian Boult will be happy to accept his honorary degree from Edinburgh University. Holograph signed, written on British Broadcasting Company headed paper.