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 Eda Levin from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 02 November 1928
Letter, 2 November 1928, Edinburgh, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Eda Levin. Offering advice for the formation of a choral society. Ms. transcript by Hubert Foss.
Letter to Hugh Godley from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1900
Letter, [n.d], Surrey, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Hugh Godley. Stating reasons for retiral as adviser to the Classical Concert society. Holograph incomplete.
Letter to Hugh Godley from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1900
Letter, [n.d], Surrey, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Hugh Godley. Stating reasons for retiral as adviser to the Classical Concert society. Holograph incomplete.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Arthur James Balfour, 20 February 1918
Letter, 20 February 1918, London, A. Balfour to Donald Tovey. A letter of encouragement and assurance that Balfour will continue to be a patron. Holograph signed, in pencil on back of the letter Tovey has written a chorus for a song ' Israel in Egypt ' .
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Cyril Bailey, 20 May 1930
Letter, 20 May 1930, Oxford, Cyril Bailey to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for a gift made to The Oxford Music Society. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Erik Chisholm, 11 August 1939
Letter, 11 August 1939, Sussex, Erik Chisolm to Donald Tovey. Discussion of the formation of a National Council of music, inviting Tovey to stay. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from F. V. Rushforth, 21 April 1936
Letter, 21 April 1936, Edinburgh, F. V. Rushforth to Donald Tovey. Covering note for photos of the Reid orchestra, congratulations on the performance and news of Rushforth's daughter in Munich. Holograph signed, with envelope containing two photo's of the Reid Orchestra and one of Donald Tovey.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Murray Coutts-Trotter, 19 October 1917
Letter, 19 October 1917, Madras, Murray Coutts-Trotter to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey of the orchestra Coutts-Trotter has set up and requesting orchestral parts, also informing Tovey of the death of his mother. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 17 October 1897
Letter, 17 October 1897, Oxford, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. News of the start of term at Balliol, and plan to donate a copy of 'The Handel society's ed. of "The ways of Zion do mourn" to the Oxford musical club. Holograph signed, with a duplicate typescript copy, [2]p. 25 x 20cm.