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 2127 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Dame Ethel Mary Smyth, 02 February 1931
Letter, 2 February 1931, Woking, Ethel Smyth to Mary Grierson. Informing Grierson that Smyth will turn up at a rehearsal if necessary, news that Smyth is suffering from influenza and is losing her voice. Holograph signed.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Dame Ethel Mary Smythe, 14 June 1930
Letter, 14 June 1930, Woking, Ethel Smythe to Mary Grierson. Attempting to arrange a suitable date to perform a work called ' The Prison', . Holograph signed.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Denis James Matthews, 20 April 1952
Letter, 20 April 1952, London, Denis Matthews to Mary Grierson. Praising Grierson's biography on Tovey, and pointing out some mistakes in the text. Holograph signed, with stamped envelope.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Denis James Matthews, 06 May 1952
Letter, 6 May 1952, London, Denis Matthews to Mary Grierson. Accepting Grierson's thoughts on Matthews previous corrections to her work on Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Desmond McCormick, 03 May 1952
Letter, 3 May 1952, Somerset, Desmond McCormick to Mary Grierson. Praising Grierson's biography of Tovey. Holograph signed, with stamped envelope.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from [Dorothy], 21 February 1952
Letter, 21 February 1952, [Dorothy] to Mary Grierson. Praising Grierson's biography of Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from E. d' Arba, 06 July 1952
Letter, 6 July 1952, London, E. d' Arba to Mary Grierson. Praising Grierson's biography on Tovey and attempting to arrange a meeting. Holograph signed, with stamped envelope.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Edna Lovell, 09 March 1952
Letter, 9 March 1952, Edinburgh, Edna Lovell to Mary Grierson. Praising Grierson's biography of Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Edward Joseph Dent, 12 January 1951
Letter, 12 January 1951, London, Edward Dent to Mary Grierson. Discussing Tovey's scholarly approach to music. Holograph signed.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Elsie Pirson, 06 February 1952
Letter, 6 February 1952, Kendal, Elsie Pirson to Mary Grierson. Praising Grierson's biography of Tovey. Holograph signed.