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, c1920
Letter, [n.d], Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Transcript of a letter from ' The Royal Institution' requesting that Tovey deliver a series of lectures. Ms. Transcript, with added personal notes from Sophie Weisse.
Letter to Sir William Henry Hadow from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1910
Letter, [n.d], Surrey, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Sir William Henry Hadow. Tovey elucidating his differing view on fugues, after reviewing Hadow's work. Holograph unfinished.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Evelyn de Vesci, c1900
Letter, [n.d], Surrey, Evelyn de Vesci to Sophie Weisse. Arranging to meet and expressing delight at being in the company of Tovey again. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 01 October 1893
Letter, [1 October 1893], Surrey, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Outlining a concert programme. Photocopy of Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 30 September 1893
Letter, 30 September 1893, Surrey, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Asking Miss. Weisse what sort of boots Tovey should have. Photocopy of Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 14 May 1893
Letter, 14 May 1893, Surrey, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. News of the Tovey family and the garden at Worplesdon. Photocopy of Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 22 September 1931
Letter, 22 September 1931, Surrey, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Explaining why Miss. Weisse could not attend a broadcast of Tovey's and praising the broadcast. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1896
Letter, [n.d], Surrey, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Note explaining that Tovey has overslept. Holograph, in pencil.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 19 May 1898
Letter, 19 May 1898, Surrey, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Description of Tovey's revision for exams. Holograph signed, in pencil.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1897
Letter, [1897], Surrey, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Outlining the qualities of Tovey's friend Kelly, news of being with Joachim in Berlin. Holograph incomplete, in pencil.