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 Donald Tovey from Julius Rontgen, 18 February 1904
Letter, 18 February 1904, Amsterdam, Julius Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Discussing Tovey's position as judge of the Prix d' excellence and enclosing composition work. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Julius Rontgen, 05 May 1925
Letter, 5 May 1925, Amsterdam, Julius Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Discussing Tovey's role as Judge in the Prix d' excellence in Amsterdam. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Julius Rontgen, 28 June 1925
Letter, 28 June 1925, Holland, Julius Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Discussing Tovey's role as judge in the Prix d' excellence, informing Tovey that Jan de Boer is keen to study with him and inviting Tovey to play in a concert. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Julius Rontgen, 09 June 1927
Letter, 9 June 1927, Bilthoven, Julius Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Discussing plans to show a film in Germany and the United Kingdom. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Julius Rontgen, 03 July 1927
Letter, 3 July 1927, Bilthoven, Julius Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Concerned with an American plan to complete Schubert's unfinished symphony for the 100th anniversary of his death. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Julius Rontgen, 22 October 1927
Letter, 22 October 1927, Bilthoven, Julius Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Discussing plans for a concert in Edinburgh and praising Gershwin's ' Rhapsody in blue'. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Marga Denecke, 10 November 1922
Letter, 10 November 1922, Oxford, Marga Denecke to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to Oxford and suggesting that he perform a recital. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Marga Denecke, 22 December 1921
Letter, 22 December 1921, Oxford, Marga Denecke to Donald Tovey. Offering to help Tovey over a situation concerning Moor and the Aeolian company. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Marga Denecke, 04 June 1922
Letter, 4 June 1922, Marga Denecke to Donald Tovey. Describing problems encountered with the Aeolian company. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Marga Denecke, c1920
Letter, [n.d], Oxford, Marga Denecke to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to stay. Holograph signed, incomplete.