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 24 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Bernard Hoffman from Frank Morley Fletcher, 30 April 1924
Letter, 30 April 1924, California, Frank Morley Fletcher to Bernard Hoffman. Suggesting that Tovey be told of the diversities of the musical community of Santa Barbara before he arrives. Typescript signed.
Letter to F. P. Keppel from Frank Morely Fletcher, 01 August 1924
Letter, 1 August 1924, California, Frank Morely Fletcher to F. P. Keppel. Arranging for Keppel to meet Tovey when he comes to New York. Holograph signed, with envelope.
Letter to Flexmer from Frank Morely Fletcher, 01 August 1924
Letter, 1 August 1924, California, Frank Morely Fletcher to Flexmer. Introducing Tovey and suggesting a meeting between Flexmer and Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Bernard Hoffman, 25 October 1924
Letter, 25 October 1924, California, Bernard Hoffman to Donald Tovey. Outlining Hoffman's feelings about Santa Barbara as a musical centre, and that it would not offer a challenge to Tovey's skills, and answering Tovey's claims that promises were not fulfilled on his last trip to Santa Barbara. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Bernard Hoffman, 15 May 1924
Letter, 15 May 1924, California, Bernard Hoffman to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey bring the music to illustrate the lectures he is to give in Santa Barbara, details of the interpretation class. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Carol Dournelnd Constock, c25 December 1910
Letter, [n.d], California, Carol Dournelnd Constock to Donald Francis Tovey. Christmas greetings. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Clara Gould, 24 August 1924
Letter, 24 August 1924, California, Clara Gould to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that a gift of money is in the bank, and asking Tovey to sort out financial details. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Clara Gould, 09 August 1924
Letter, 9 August 1924, California, Clara Gould to Donald Tovey. Covering note for a letter introducing Clara Gould's brother-in-law, and a comment about the respect Gould and Tovey feel for each other. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Clara Gould, 21 September 1924
Letter, 21 September 1924, California, Clara Gould to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey for suggestions for the following summers letters and concerts, and news from Santa Barbara. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Clara Gould, c1925
Letter, [n.d], California, Clara Gould to Donald Tovey. News of Clara Tovey's travels. Holograph incomplete.