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 Albert Schweitzer from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 11 May 1934
Letter, 11 May 1934, Suffolk, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Albert Schweitzer. Discussing plans for Schweitzer's Edinburgh Gifford lectures and concerts. Holograph signed, photocopy.
Letter to Albert Schweitzer from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 28 October 1935
Letter, 28 October 1935, Edinburgh, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Albert Schweitzer. Discussing plans for performing in Edinburgh with Schweitzer at the McEwen and Usher hall. Holograph signed, photocopy.
Letter to Albert Schweitzer from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1935
Letter, 1935, Suffolk, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Albert Schweitzer. Discussions of Tovey's speech with Casals and Schweitzer and informing Schweitzer that Tovey has received a knighthood. Holograph signed, photocopy.
Letter to Alfred Richter from Joseph Joachim, 19 May 1902
Letter, 19 May 1902, London, Joseph Joachim to Alfred Richter. Introducing Tovey as an ' excellent young musician' with a wide breadth of music knowledge. Typescript copy, letter ripped at centre fold line.
Letter to Alfred Richter from Joseph Joachim, 19 May 1902
Letter, 19 May 1902, London, Joseph Joachim to Alfred Richter. introducing Tovey as an ' excellent young musician' with a wide breadth of musical knowledge. Ms. Transcript, by Miss. Weisse.
Letter to Annie Freidberg from Richard G. Appel, 02 November 1925
Letter, 2 November 1925, Boston, Richard G. Appel to Annie Freidberg. Asking if Tovey would be available to give a lecture at Boston public library. Typescript copy.
Letter to Annie Friedberg from Arthur Quimby, 12 August 1926
Letter, 12 August 1926, Arthur Quimby to Annie Friedberg. Enclosing a signed contract from Tovey and informing Friedberg that Tovey will speak on ' The development of modern music'. Typescript copy, torn.
Letter to Annie Friedberg from Charles Guthrie, 28 July 1925
Letter, 28 July 1925, Edinburgh, Charles Guthrie to Annie Friedberg. Covering note for some press cuttings which Guthrie suggests may be used in. Holograph signed.
Letter to Annie Friedberg from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 08 January 1925
Letter, 8 January 1925, New York, Donald Tovey to Annie Friedberg. Requesting that Tovey send material that can be used to publicise his American concerts. Typescript incomplete.
Letter to Annie Friedberg from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 02 February 1925
Letter, 2 February 1925, Edinburgh, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Annie Friedberg. Arrangement for U.S concerts. Ms. transcript.