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Tovey, Sir Donald Francis, 1875-1940 (Reid Professor of Music, University of Edinburgh)

 Person

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 4 Collections and/or Records:

Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Peter Charles Arthur Wishart, 06 June 1952

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2650
Scope and Contents

Letter, 6 May 1952, Birmingham, Peter Wishart to Mary Grierson. Praising Grierson's biography of Tovey, empathising with Tovey's struggles and a discussion of music teaching. Holograph signed.

Dates: 06 June 1952

Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Granville Bantock, 15 June 1923

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L734
Scope and Contents

Letter,15 June 1923, Birmingham, Granville Bantock to Donald Tovey. Note on behalf of Mrs. Bantock saying she is looking forward to seeing Tovey. Holograph signed.

Dates: 15 June 1923

Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Senne Parker, 14 November 1922

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L1460
Scope and Contents

Letter, 14 November 1922, Birmingham. Senne Parker to Donald Tovey. News from Parker after her recent move to Birmingham. Holograph signed.

Dates: 14 November 1922

Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Granville Bantock, 21 March 1925

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2021
Scope and Contents

Letter, 21 March 1925, Birmingham, Granville Bantock to Donald Tovey. Concern over Lord Murray's illness, arranging a performance by Sibelius, looking forward to Tovey's visit. Holograph signed.

Dates: 21 March 1925