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 83 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Rosalind Maitland, c07 July 1922
Letter, 7 July 1922, Edinburgh, Rosalind Maitland to Donald Tovey. Details of the Reid Orchestra's guarantor's meeting, news of Adrian Boult's praise for Tovey's work and a meeting with Allt. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Herbert John Clifford Grierson, 14 December 1923
Letter, 14 December 1923, Edinburgh, H. J. C. Grierson to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for support given to Grierson's daughter, Janet, and a question about Vienna. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Isidor George Henschel, 25 October 1933
Letter, 25 October 1933, Edinburgh, George Henschel to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for sending two volumes of his work. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir James Alfred Ewing, 25 March 1922
Letter, 25 March 1922, Alfred Ewing to Donald Tovey. A letter of appreciation of a ' beautiful' musical performance. Holograph signed, annotated in blue ink at top of page by Miss. Weisse.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir James Alfred Ewing, 31 January 1929
Letter, 31 January 1929, Edinburgh, Alfred Ewing to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for a letter. Dictated.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Robert Phillip, c1935
Letter, 1935, Edinburgh, Sir Robert Phillip to Donald Tovey. Praising Tovey's work and congratulating Tovey on receiving his knighthood. Ms. Transcript by Miss. Weisse.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 13 April 1923
Letter, 13 April 1923, Edinburgh, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Expressing sympathy and offering help, news of Miss. Weisse's health and her mourning in the absence of the dear boy. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 25 April 1935
Letter, 25 April 1935, Edinburgh, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Description of Miss. Weisse's bad health, giving Tovey some advice. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 03 May 1923
Letter, 3 May 1923, Edinburgh, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Expressing sympathy and sorrow over the death of Tovey's sister in law, and news of Tovey's son. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Paterson Paterson, 09 December 1937
Letter, 9 December 1937, Edinburgh, W. P. Paterson to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for giving Paterson a copy of ' Essays in Musical Analysis, vol V '. Holograph signed.