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 [Hubert James Foss] from Isabelle Duff, 01 December 1941
Letter, 1 December 1941, Edinburgh, Isabelle Duff to [Hubert Foss]. Describing fond memories of Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to [Hubert James Foss] from Margaret. N. O. Baily, 03 December 1941
Letter, 3 December 1941, Midlothian, Margaret. N. O. Baily to [Hubert Foss]. Agreeing to write down recollections of Tovey, enclosing a letter from Tovey, and memories of Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Hubert James Foss from Sophie Weisse, 01 October 1941
Letter, 1 October 1941, Edinburgh, Sophie Weisse to Hubert Foss. Commenting on an article written by Foss on Tovey, and reminiscing. Holograph signed.
Letter to Hubert James Foss from Sophie Weisse, c 01 August 1941
Letter, August [n.y], Edinburgh, Sophie Weisse to Hubert Foss. Informing Foss that Tovey was a remarkable astronomer, and suggesting he died because of loss of feeling in his fingertips. Holograph signed.
Letter to Hubert JJames Foss from Sophie Weisse, 01 September 1941
Letter, 1 September 1941, Edinburgh, Sophie Weisse to Hubert Foss. Commenting that Tovey did buy himself a big Bosendorfer piano before he died, and commenting on the tragedy of his life. Holograph signed.
Letter to Isabelle Duff from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 28 January 1934
Letter, 28 January 1934, Edinburgh, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Isabelle Duff. Thanking Miss Duff for a present. Ms. transcript by Hubert Foss.
Letter to Lady Grierson from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 05 December 1935
Letter, 5 December 1935, Edinburgh, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Lady Grierson. Description of Lady Grierson's daughter's triumphs. Holograph signed.
Letter to Lady Mabel Emily McCormick from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 04 April 1930
Letter, 4 April 1930, Edinburgh, Donald Tovey to Lady McCormick. Letter of condolences after the death of Lord McCormick. Ms. transcript by Hubert Foss.
Letter to Mary Gardner Grierson from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 04 May 1938
Letter, 4 May 1938, Edinburgh, Donald Tovey to Mary Grierson. A glowing reference for Mary Grierson. Ms. Transcript.
Letter to Mary Gardner Grierson from Sir Donald Franics Tovey, 04 May 1938
Letter, 4 May 1938, Edinburgh, Donald Tovey to Mary Grierson. A glowing reference for Mary Grierson. Holograph signed, with stamped envelope.