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 Ernest Stonely, 04 August 1952
Letter, 4 August 1952, Belfast, Ernest Stonely to Mary Grierson. Praising Grierson's biography of Tovey. Holograph signed, with stamped envelope.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Ethel Stevenson, 16 April 1952
Letter, 16 April 1952, Edinburgh, Ethel Stevenson to Mary Grierson. Praising Grierson's biography of Tovey. Holograph signed, with stamped envelope.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Fanny Davies, 09 October 1924
Letter, 9 October 1924, London, Fanny Davies to Mary Grierson. Informing Grierson that Davies has sent of a Mozart mss. to Edinburgh, asking about the venue of a forthcoming concert. Holograph signed.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Frank Smith, 24 March 1952
Letter, 24 March 1952, Greenock, Frank Smith to Mary Grierson. Praising Grierson's biography of Tovey, and reminiscences. Holograph signed.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from G. Mackie, 27 March 1952
Letter, 27 March 1952, Edinburgh, G. Mackie to Mary Grierson. Praising Grierson's biography of Tovey, and reminiscing on Mackie's acquaintance with Tovey. Holograph signed, with stamped envelope.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from Geoffrey Fenwick Jocelyn Cumberlege, 12 March 1952
Letter, 12 March 1952, London, Geoffrey Cumberlege to Mary Grierson. Recept for a cheque for the publication of her biography of Tovey. Typescript signed, with receipts, [2]p. 22 x 22cm, and a review list, 22 x 18cm.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from George Parker, 18 November 1924
Letter, 18 November 1924, Middlesex, George Parker to Mary Grierson. Expressing his appreciation for the chance to sing with the Reid orchestra and praising Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from George Parker, 21 March 1926
Letter, 21 March 1926, Middlesex, George Parker to Mary Grierson. Thanking Grierson for a pleasurable stay in Edinburgh, and praising a concert where Tovey's playing was beautiful and Parker was honoured to be accompanied by Tovey. Typescript signed.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from George Parker, 31 May 1952
Letter, 31 May 1952, Hertfordshire, George Parker to Mary Grierson. Praising Grierson's biography of Tovey and inviting Grierson to visit. Typescript signed.
Letter to Dr Mary Gardner Grierson from George Stewart McManus, 07 October 1951
Letter, 7 October 1951, Connecticut, George McManus to Mary Grierson. Discussion of weather to leave Tovey ms. to Edinburgh University, and news from Connecticut. Holograph signed, with envelope.