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 256 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Taylor, 09 June 1939
Letter, 9 June 1939, Edinburgh, William Taylor to Donald Tovey. Arrangements and dates for concerts and recitals involving the Reid orchestra. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Taylor, c1933
Letter, [1933], Edinburgh, William Taylor to Donald Tovey. Discussing Tovey's sister-in-law's health. Holograph signed, incomplete.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Taylor, 28 May 1923
Letter, 28 May 1923, Edinburgh, William Taylor to Donald Tovey. Covering letter for a timetable of Birmingham University examinations, and news of The Edinburgh opera society. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Taylor, 01 June 1923
Letter, 1 June 1923, Edinburgh, William Taylor to Donald Tovey. A letter forwarding and noting Tovey's correspondence, details of the establishment of an orchestral concert series and fee. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Taylor, 11 May 1911
Letter, 11 May 1911, Edinburgh, William Taylor to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey of anxious letters from his publishers requesting the return of proofs. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Taylor, 19 April 1923
Letter, 19 April 1923, Edinburgh, William Taylor to Donald Tovey. Expressing concern over the condition of Tovey's sister-in-law, informing Tovey that Taylor has found the score of John Foulds work details and administration of the Reid Orchestra and details of the letters that have arrived for Tovey in his absence. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Taylor, 07 December 1923
Letter, 7 December 1923, Edinburgh, W. Taylor to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey for dinner. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Yehudi Menuhin, 03 November 1934
Letter, 3 November 1934, Edinburgh, Yehudi Menuhin to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his letter and expressing hopes for a concert with Tovey in the future. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Granville Ransome Bantock from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 13 November 1922
Letter, 13 November 1922, Edinburgh, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Sir Granville Bantock. Discussion of University examinations and two particular students. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Granville Ransome Bantock from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 1924
Letter, [1924], Edinburgh, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Sir Granville Bantock. Request for a signature and discussing a new volume of Bach. Holograph signed.