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 64 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Dorothy L. Sayers, 18 January 1934
Letter, 18 January 1934, Essex, Dorothy L. Sayers to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his letter, apologising for an error made in one of her works, dispelling Tovey's believe that she was alluding to Beethoven, and a discussion of Lord Peter Whimsey's relationship with Harriet. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Dorothy L. Sayers, 18 April 1936
Letter, 18 April 1936, Essex, Dorothy L. Sayers to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his letter, discussion of a story and of Lord Peter Whimsey's psychology. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Dorothy L. Sayers, 03 April 1937
Letter, 3 April 1937, Essex, Dorothy L. Sayers to Donald Tovey. Covering note for a pastiche, and news of Peter and Harriet's honeymoon at the comedy theatre. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Dr. Ralph Lauckner, 23 November 1922
Letter, 23 November 1922, Stuttgart, Dr. Ralph Lauckner to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to make alterations to piano scores and translate words, expressing an interest in the work of Passer, Swoboda and Pollack. Typescript, signed in red pencil.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Dr. Ralph Lauckner, 07 October 1928
Letter, 7 October 1928, Berlin, Dr. Ralph Lauckner to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to write down a list of songs for a book, hoping to meet Tovey in Switzerland or Berlin. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Emma Parratt, 18 August 1929
Letter, 18 August 1929, Wilford - On - Sea, Emma Parratt to Donald Tovey. Requesting a progress report on Tovey's piece on Sir Walter Parratt and inviting Tovey to stay. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Geoffrey Parratt, 06 September 1929
Letter, 6 September 1929, Woking, Geoffrey Parratt to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey send letters to his sisters direct, offering typing services and informing Tovey that Edward Arnold is keen to hear of any progress. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from H. A. Scott, 01 April 1925
Letter, 1 April 1925, London, H. A. Scott to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to reduce his article on Haydn and expressing pleasure that Tovey has agreed to do an article on Brahms. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from H. A. Scott, 17 December 1924
Letter, 17 December 1924, London, H. A. Scott to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey when the Cyclopeadia may expect to have Tovey's article on Haydn, and apologising for making alternative arrangements for an author for the Brahms article. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Harold H. Joachim, 29 June 1939
Letter, 29 June 1939, Oxford, Harold H. Joachim to Donald Tovey. Passing on a message from Johannes, saying Tovey can publish a translation of a letter. Holograph signed.