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 99 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Albert and Helene Schweitzer, 20 February 1930
Letter, 20 February 1930, Bordeaux, Albert and Helene Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that he will receive a copy of Schweitzer's book on St. Paul, news of Schweitzer's health, and New Year wishes. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Antonia Seyer, 19 February 1925
Letter, 19 February 1925, Hertfordshire, Antonia Seyer to Donald Tovey. Sending the Speyers best wishes to Tovey as he recovers from illness and news of the Speyer's lives. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles de Sousy Ricketts, c 1928
Letter, [n.d], London, Charles Ricketts to Donald Tovey. Details of a meeting with Hedmount who disliked plans for scenery, and news that Ricketts is looking after an ill friend. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles de Sousy Ricketts, c 21 April 1929
Letter, [21 April 1929], London, Charles Ricketts to Donald Tovey. Wishing Tovey and Trevelyan success and news of some improvement in Rickett's friend Shannon. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Clara Gould, 07 January 1925
Letter, 7 January 1925, Boston, Clara Gould to Donald Tovey. Sympathy over Tovey's illness. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Clara Gould, c1925
Letter, [n.d], California, Clara Gould to Donald Tovey. Sympathising with Tovey's illness and concern for his recovery. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Dr Mary Gardner Grierson, 28 October 1938
Letter, 28 October 1938, Edinburgh, Mary Grierson to Donald Tovey. Requesting some written work to publish in a concert programme, news of concerts and concern about Tovey's hands. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from E. M. Widor, 03 December 1934
Letter, 3 December 1934, Paris, E. M. Widor to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on completing his edition of Bach's ' Art of the Fugue' and asking after Tovey's health. Written for Widor by Albert Schweitzer, signed, with stamped envelope.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Speyer, 02 April 1925
Letter, 2 April 1925, Hertfordshire, Edward Speyer to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on his recovery from illness, expressing disappointment that Tovey has not commented on Speyer's book, and news of their contemporaries. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Speyer, 08 October 1932
Letter, 8 October 1932, Hertfordshire, Edward Speyer to Donald Tovey. Expressing joy at the news of Tovey's recovery, news of a visit from the Busch quartet and other news. Typescript signed.