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 Pablo Casals, 25 March 1929
Letter, 25 March 1929, Pablo Casals to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on his opera and outlining Casals future engagements and performances. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Pablo Casals, 12 March 1933
Letter, 12 March 1933, Barcelona, Pablo Casals to Donald Tovey. Expressing the joy Casals felt on receiving Tovey's cello concerto. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Pablo Casals, 12 March 1933
Letter, 12 March 1933, Barcelona, Pablo Casals to Donald Tovey. Expressing the joy Casals felt on receiving Tovey's cello concerto. Typescript copy.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Pablo Casals, 27 September 1933
Letter, 27 September 1933, Pablo Casals to Donald Tovey. Praising Tovey's concerto, describing it as long and profound, inviting Tovey to Barcelona to play the concerto. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Pablo Casals, 27 December 1933
Letter, 27 December 1933, Barcelona, Pablo Casals to Donald Tovey. Discussion of possible date and orchestra for the performance of Tovey's cello concerto. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Pablo Casals, 28 May 1934
Letter, 28 May 1934, Pablo Casals to Donald Tovey. Discussion of honorary degree. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Pablo Casals, 03 June 1934
Letter, 3 June 1934, Barcelona, Pablo Casals to Donald Tovey. Arranging a date for Casals to play in concert at Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Pablo Casals, 12 June 1934
Letter, 12 June 1934, Pablo Casals to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for encouragement, describing a Haydn concert, and an important day in Casals life. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Pablo Casals, 04 July 1934
Letter, 4 July 1934, Pablo Casals to Donald Tovey. Some notes and changes to Tovey's composition. Holograph signed.
Letter to Donald Tovey from Pablo Casals, 14 October 1934
Letter, 14 October 1934, Barcelona, Pablo Casals to Donald Tovey. Discussing a radio broadcast with the B.B.C, and the completed concerto score. Holograph signed.