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 Elizabeth Trevelyan, c1911
Letter, [1911], Surrey, Elizabeth Trevelyan to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to stop burdening Robert Trevelyan with work, as he is becoming anxious and overworked. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Florence Hall, 19 March 1929
Letter, 19 March 1929, London, Florence Hall to Donald Tovey. Expressing delight at the production of the ''Bride of Dionysus', and news of her husbands illness. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Fritz Busch, 24 June 1935
Letter, 24 June 1935, Sussex, Fritz Busch to Donald Tovey. Plans for forthcoming concerts, concern over Tovey's illness, and news of Adolf Busch' whereabouts. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Fritz Busch, 11 February 1936
Letter, 11 February 1936, Copenhagen, Fritz Busch to Donald Tovey. Expressing concern for Tovey's illness, requesting Tovey's ' Essays in musical analysis' news that Tovey's cello concerto is to be played in Copenhagen, and plans for Danish State Radio to broadcast music by Tovey. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Fritz Busch, 03 November 1931
Letter, 3 November 1931, Dresden, Fritz Busch to Donald Tovey. Concerning Tovey's illness, thanking Tovey for help with the composition of a psalm and an invitation for Tovey to play Bach's Brandenburg concerto. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Fritz Veiel, 11 July 1923
Letter, 11 July 1923, Stuttgart, Fritz Veiel to Donald Tovey. Explaining the economic crisis in Germany and arranging for Tovey to stay in Veiel's convalescent home in Germany. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Guilhermina Suggia, 15 September 1935
Letter, 15 September 1935, Portugal, Guilhermina Suggia to Donald Tovey. Cancelling future engagements due to an operation, and expressing dismay at missing Tovey in Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Gustav Holst, c07 January 1930
Letter, 7 January 1930, London, Gustav Holst to Donald Tovey. Wishing Tovey well after his recovery from illness. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Gustav Holst, c14 November 1930
Letter, 14 November 1930, London, Gustav Holst to Donald Tovey. Declining to accept an offer of work from Tovey because Holst feels unworthy and he is required to do as little as possible by his doctor. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Haydn Brown, c1900
Letter, [n.d], London, Haydn Brown to Donald Tovey. Arranging to meet Tovey for an examination. Holograph signed.