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 13 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 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, 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.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Clara Gould, 25 October 1925
Letter, 25 October 1925, California, Clara Gould to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his letter and informing him that he may use the funds as he proposes and news of Gould and Santa Barbara. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Clara Gould, c25 December 1925
Letter, [n.y] Dec, California, Clara Gould to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his greeting and news of Gould's trip to Boston. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Clara Gould, 03 February 1925
Letter, 3 February 1925, California, Clara Gould to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey of a meeting with Friedberg, and that Gould is to increase her financial support to Tovey and news from Santa Barbara. Holograph signed.