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 80 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 14 December 1892
Letter, 14 December 1892, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Informing Miss. Weisse that Parry is overworked although he hopes to make time for Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 11 February 1894
Letter, 11 February 1894, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Apologising for not writing, arranging a time for Tovey's lesson. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, c1890
Letter, [n.d], London, Hubert Parry to Sophie Weisse. Explaining that Parry is unable to give Tovey lessons, and informing Miss. Weisse that Tovey does not need extra lessons anyway as he has natural talent. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1895
Letter, 1895, Oxford, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Thanking Miss. Weisse for sending presents, details of a concert given by Paderewski, criticising a piano, Tovey's studying plans, and other news. Photocopy of Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1895
Letter, [n.d], Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. News of a lesson with Parry, expressing his families unhappiness at Tovey's leaving, . Photocopy of Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 18 December 1891
Letter, 18 December 1891, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Detailed description of Tovey's lesson with Parry and Parry's comments on Tovey's compositions, news of Tovey's time at home with his family, and wishing Miss. Weisse a happy new year. Photocopy of holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1897
Letter, 1897, Oxford, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Explaining a misunderstanding between Miss. Weisse and Tovey's father, and suggesting that they both can play a part in developing Tovey's reading skills. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 21 October 1894
Letter, 21 October 1894, Oxford, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. News of a tutorial with Farmer and a request that Tovey continue lessons with Parry. Photocopy of Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1890
Letter, [n.d], Surrey, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Details of a lesson with Parry. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 21 October 1894
Letter, 21 October 1894, Oxford, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Describing a music lesson with Mr. Farmer and a discussion of his loyalty to Dr. Parry. Holograph signed.