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 6 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Albert Schweitzer, 30 October 1930
Letter, 30 October 1930, London, Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Thanking the Tovey's of their offer of hospitality and details of Schweitzer's time of arrival and engagements. Holograph signed, letter accompanied by English translation.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Cesar Searchinger, 27 May 1925
Letter, 27 May 1925, London, Cesar Searchinger to Donald Tovey. Offering assistance in publicising Tovey's tour of America. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John P. Fletcher and Albert Schweitzer, 18 May 1932
Letter, 18 May 1932, London, John P. Fletcher and Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Covering note from Fletcher outlining Schweitzer's plans and arrangements for his time in Edinburgh. Letter from Fletcher, Typescript signed; Letter from Schweitzer typescript signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 01 August 1897
Letter, 3 August 1897, Maintz, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Description of journey to Bayreuth via the Rhine. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 12 January 1904
Letter, 12 January 1904, London, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. News of Tovey's time in Germany, his awe of Joachim and his forthcoming schedule. Holograph signed.
Telegram to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 26 July 1897
Telegram, 26 July 1897, London, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Details of cost of a ticket to Luxembourg. Typescript copy.