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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 3 Collections and/or Records:

Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Walter W, 14 March 1941

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2558
Scope and Contents

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.

Dates: 14 March 1941

Letter to Hubert James Foss from Kenneth Anderson, 12 January 1944

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2003
Scope and Contents

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.

Dates: 12 January 1944

Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from George Scott, 01 November 1934

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L1672
Scope and Contents

Letter, 1 November 1934, Roxburghshire, George Scott to Donald Tovey. Praising a radio broadcast of Tovey's work, and reminiscing over his meeting with Tovey as a young boy. Holograph signed.

Dates: 01 November 1934