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 32 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from J. Douglas H. Dickson, 16 October 1937
Letter, 16 October 1937, Edinburgh, J. Douglas H. Dickson to Donald Tovey. Discussing the financial affairs of the Reid orchestra, including the Reid Orchestra endowment fund, and a discussion of Edinburgh and it's people. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Mackay, 09 February 1919
Letter, 9 February 1919, Edinburgh, John Mackay to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that Mackay is unable to take up a position in the orchestra. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Joseph Joachim, c1900
Letter, [1900], Joseph Joachim to Donald Tovey. Regretfully explaining to Tovey that Joachim can not perform at a concert as he has to devote his time to his Quartet performances, inviting Tovey to Vienna. Holograph signed, with annotations attached to the back page.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Leslie Hays Heward, 26 March 1925
Letter, 26 March 1925, Cape Town, Leslie Heward to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey help the Cape Town orchestra on their tour of Britain, especially their visit to Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Rosalind Maitland, c26 May 1924
Letter, 26 May 1924, Edinburgh, Rosalind Maitland to Donald Tovey. News of a meeting with Allt concerning a performance of Beethoven and a discussion of the problems of the Reid concerts. Holograph signed.
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 the Leader of the Scottish Orchestra, 30 June 1920
Letter, 30 June 1920, Interlaken, Leader of the Scottish Orchestra to Donald Tovey. Introducing himself to Tovey, and asking for a place in the Reid Orchestra. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Thomas Busby, 25 December 1918
Letter, 25 December 1918, London, Thomas Busby to Donald Tovey. A classification of orchestra players as agreed by the National Orchestral union, praise for Tovey's idea of establishing an orchestra and suggestions for the running and administration of the orchestra.. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Richardson, 06 November 1930
Letter, 6 November 1930, Colorado, William Richardson to Donald Tovey. Congratulating the Reid orchestra on a beautiful performance broadcast on the radio. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 11 November 1920
Letter, 11 November 1920, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Question about the Schumann's wish to raise money and news of Tovey's orchestra. Holograph signed.