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 10 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Speyer, 16 August 1908
Letter, 16 August 1908, Hertfordshire, Edward Speyer to Donald Tovey. Expressing disappointment at not seeing Tovey, news of Soldat's solos for a forthcoming concert and asking for Tovey's advice on the programme. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Speyer, 02 April 1925
Letter, 2 April 1925, Hertfordshire, Edward Speyer to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on his recovery from illness, expressing disappointment that Tovey has not commented on Speyer's book, and news of their contemporaries. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Speyer, 30 August 1930
Letter, 30 August 1930, Hertfordshire, Edward Speyer to Donald Tovey. Covering note for letters to Speyer from Andreas Moser concerning Tovey, news of Dr. Alfred Einstein's visit, inviting the Tovey's to stay. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Speyer, 08 October 1932
Letter, 8 October 1932, Hertfordshire, Edward Speyer to Donald Tovey. Expressing joy at the news of Tovey's recovery, news of a visit from the Busch quartet and other news. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Antonia Speyer, 27 November 1906
Letter, 27 November 1906, Hertfordshire, Antonia Speyer to Sophie Weisse. Thanking Miss. Weisse for her kindness and describing Tovey's playing as exquisite. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Antonia Speyer, 27 March 1908
Letter, 27 March 1908, Hertfordshire, Antonia Speyer to Sophie Weisse. Expressing gratitude for Miss. Weisse's kindness and Tovey's encouragement musically. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Edward Speyer, 30 September 1912
Letter, 30 September 1912, Hertfordshire, Edward Speyer to Sophie Weisse. Thanking Miss. Weisse for sending news of Tovey and of his fathers death. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 01 February 1909
Letter, 1 February 1909, Hertfordshire Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Concerning Percy Such and Hausman's relationship and a series of concerts. Holograph signed.
Postcard to Edward Speyer from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 12 July 1906
Postcard, 12 July 1906, Hertfordshire, Donald Tovey to Edward Speyer. Refusing an invitation due to a prior engagement. Holograph signed, L162 - L166 sewn together.
Postcard to Edward Speyer from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 24 January 1913
Postcard, 24 January 1913, Hertfordshire, Donald Tovey to Edward Speyer. Acceptance of an invitation to stay. Holograph signed.