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 44 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Donald Tovey from Pablo Casals, 14 October 1934
Letter, 14 October 1934, Barcelona, Pablo Casals to Donald Tovey. Discussing a radio broadcast with the B.B.C, and the completed concerto score. Holograph signed.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Walter W, 14 March 1941
Letter, 14 March 1941, Belfast, Walter W to Mary Grierson. Discussing a radio broadcast, praising Grierson success with concerts and news of the 'W' family. Holograph signed.
Letter to George Reginald Barnes from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 10 June 1939
Letter, 10 June 1939, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to the British Broadcasting Corporation. Invitation to suggest a subject for the National Lecture. Typescript photocopy.
Letter to Hubert James Foss from F. H. Walker, 25 November 1942
Letter, 25 November 1942, Newcastle, F. H. Walker to Hubert Foss. Requesting that Foss send some more examples of Tovey's handwriting and praising Foss's radio broadcasts. Holograph signed.
Letter to Hubert James Foss from Kenneth Anderson, 12 January 1944
Letter, 12 January 1944, Yorkshire, Kenneth Anderson to Hubert Foss. Praising Foss's broadcasts on Tovey and his work, and Anderson's memories of Tovey. Typescript signed.
Letter to Mary Gardner Grierson from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1931
Letter, [1931], Donald Tovey to Mary Grierson. Suggestion that the B.B.C. should take over one of the Opera nights. Holograph signed.
Letter to Mary Gardner Grierson from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 03 November 1932
Letter, 3 November 1932, Dorking, Donald Tovey to Mary Grierson. Criticism of a broadcast of Grierson's cadenza's, and advice on improvements. Holograph signed.
Letter to Mary Gardner Grierson from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1934
Letter, [1934], Suffolk, Donald Tovey to Mary Grierson. Notes on a concert that is to be broadcast and guidelines for honours degrees in music. Holograph signed.
Letter to Mary Gardner Grierson from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 20 June 1934
Letter, 20 June 1934, Czechoslovakia, Donald Tovey to Mary Grierson. Plans for forthcoming concert and details of the B.B.C's involvement. Holograph signed.
Letter to Mrs Baily from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 25 October 1931
Letter, 25 October 1931, Edinburgh, Donald Tovey to Mrs Baily. Discussing Tovey's chances of being involved in a radio broadcast. Ms. transcript by Hubert Foss