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 98 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Robert Calverley Trevelyan from Sophie Weisse, 19 November 1916
Letter, 19 November 1916, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Robert Trevelyan. Asking that Trevelyan become a trustee of Miss. Weisse's will. Holograph signed.
Letter to Robert Calverley Trevelyan from Sophie Weisse, 26 November 1916
Letter, 26 November 1916, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Robert Trevelyan. Requesting that Trevelyan inform Miss. Weisse whether he consulted with Tovey or not before deciding to act as trustee to Miss. Weisses will. Holograph signed.
Letter to Robert Calverley Trevelyan from Sophie Weisse, 03 December 1916
Letter, 3 December 1916, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Robert Trevelyan. Enclosing the ms. score for the 'Bride of Dionysus', and inviting Trevelyan to visit. Holograph signed.
Letter to Robert Calverley Trevelyan from Sophie Weisse, 07 December 1916
Letter, 7 December 1916, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Robert Trevelyan. Arranging for Trevelyan to meet Mrs. Annie Brown who will have papers and the ms. Asking if Tovey plans to go to Holland soon. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Arthur Somervell from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1913
Letter, [1913], Surrey, Donald Tovey to Arthur Somervell. Chopsticks. Ms. transcribed by K. M. Howard, with covering note sent to Hubert Foss by K. M. Howard.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Evelyn de Vesci, 03 July 1926
Letter, 3 July 1926, Surrey, Evelyn de Vesci to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his letter, and a discussion of a problem, where a person has become overwrought. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Evelyn de Vesci, 03 August 1934
Letter, 3 August 1934, Surrey, Evelyn de Vesci to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his letters and lecture. Holograph signed, in pencil.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Guy Maynard Liddell, c17 February 1935
Letter, 17 February 1935, Surrey, G. Liddell to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on his Knighthood. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Margaret Parratt, 25 October 1921
Letter, 25 October 1921, Surrey, Englefield Green, Margaret Parratt. Arranging a date to meet Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Mary Herbert, c27 November 1934
Letter, 27 November 1934, Surrey , Mary Herbert to Donald Tovey. Praising a series of concerts, especially Casals performance of Toveys work. Holograph signed.