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 Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 20 June 1937
Letter, 20 June 1937, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. A covering letter for letters to and from Tovey's parents. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 12 December 1893
Letter, 12 December 1893, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Urging Tovey to write to Miss. Weisse and explain how he and 'Miss. Schumann' are. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 10 December 1893
Letter, 10 December 1893, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Advising Tovey on what to eat and drink, informing him of which train to catch in order to arrive in good time to sit an exam. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 14 July 1893
Letter, 14 July 1893, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Urging Tovey to write and let Miss. Weisse know how he is. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 29 October 1893
Letter, 29 October 1893, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Enclosing cod-liver-oil and advising Tovey to study for his forthcoming examination. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 18 October 1893
Letter, 18 October 1893, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Advising Donald to play well in a group that are weak. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 29 October 1893
Letter, 29 October 1893, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Covering note for some cod-liver oil, and advising Donald to work daily. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 10 December 1893
Letter, 10 December 1893, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Advising Tovey to avoid water and milk, but to eat raisins, advising Tovey of travel plans. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 12 December 1893
Letter, 12 December 1893, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Asking how Tovey is, and wishing him well. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 11 November 1900
Letter, 11 November 1900, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Encouraging Tovey to practise his piano playing and develop a depth of tone and shades. Holograph signed.