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 Sir Herbert John Clifford Grierson, 22 March 1939
Letter, 22 May 1939, New York, H. J. C. Grierson to Donald Tovey. Hopes for Tovey's health, News of Grierson's illness and convalescence. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir James Alfred Ewing, 24 February 1925
Letter, 24 February 1925, Edinburgh, Alfred Ewing to Donald Tovey. Apologising for bothering Tovey when he is ill, and wishing Tovey well. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 21 January 1892
Letter, 21 January 1892, Windsor, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Advising Tovey to work on the 'Airs', wishing Tovey well and advice on preserving his health. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 11 February 1892
Letter, 11 February 1892, Moffat, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Advising Tovey on cleanliness and hygiene for the sake of his health. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 20 November 1921
Letter, 20 November 1921, [Suffolk], Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Discussion of Emmanuel Moor and the Aolian company, news of Tovey's adopted son and Miss. Weisse's state of health. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 13 April 1923
Letter, 13 April 1923, Edinburgh, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Expressing sympathy and offering help, news of Miss. Weisse's health and her mourning in the absence of the dear boy. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 25 April 1935
Letter, 25 April 1935, Edinburgh, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Description of Miss. Weisse's bad health, giving Tovey some advice. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, c 23 August 1920
Letter, 23 August [n.y], Bad Nauheim, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Details of expenses and of Miss. Weisse's treatment and health. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from The B.B.C, 24 August 1939
Letter, 24 August 1939, London, The B. B. C to Donald Tovey. Arranging to postpone the date of the National Lecture until the beginning of January because of Tovey's ill health. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Unknown, 04 November 1923
Letter, 4 November 1923, Surrey, Unknown to Donald Tovey. News of an illness, causing paralysis of a young boy known to Tovey. Holograph incomplete.