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 56 Collections and/or Records:
Letter ( post script) to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1922
Letter ( post script), [1922], Canstatt, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Description of a production of Salome and a Roger concert, and news of Swoboda. Holograph signed, post-script of L669.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from George Parker, 21 March 1926
Letter, 21 March 1926, Middlesex, George Parker to Mary Grierson. Thanking Grierson for a pleasurable stay in Edinburgh, and praising a concert where Tovey's playing was beautiful and Parker was honoured to be accompanied by Tovey. Typescript signed.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Lionel Tertis, 03 December 1930
Letter, 3 December 1930, Surrey, Lionel Tertis to Mary Grierson. Praising an orchestral performance, and expressing Tertis' enjoyment at playing with the orchestra, mentioning Boult's courage at suggesting a second performance and disappointment at Tovey's absence. 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 Edward Speyer from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 01 February 1907
Letter, February 1907, Surrey, Donald Tovey to Edward Speyer. Requesting that Speyer sing in a Chelsea concert. Holograph signed, L162 - L166 sewn together.
Letter to Edward Speyer from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 09 April 1910
Letter, 9 April 1910, Surrey, Donald Tovey to Edward Speyer. Complaining about his status in the concerts. Holograph signed, L177 - L185 sewn together.
Letter to Lord Richard Denham from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1908
Letter, [1908], Surrey, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Richard Denham. Arranging meetings, concerts and programmes. Ms. transcript by Hubert Foss.
Letter to Mrs. Tovey from Emily Ritchie, 08 December 1928
Letter, 8 December 1928, London, Emily Ritchie to Mrs. Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on an 'enchanting' performance of a Haydn work. Holograph signed.
Letter to Mrs Wallace from Sir Donald Franicis Tovey, c1890
Letter, [n.d], [Surrey], Donald Tovey to Mrs Wallace. Thanking Mrs Wallace for her hospitality and describing a performance of "School for Scandal". Holograph signed, with stamped envelope.
Letter to Richard Denham from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1901
Letter, [1901], Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Richard Denham. Arranging concert dates. Ms. transcript by Hubert Foss.