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 63 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Willy Strecker, 25 March 1937
Letter, 25 March 1937, Mainz, Willy Strecker to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey for help with Remi Grassman's English translation of Hindemith's book on the theory of musical composition and its teaching. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Willy Strecker, 21 July 1937
Letter, 21 July 1937, Mainz, Willy Strecker to Donald Tovey. Discussing Hindemith's book of music teaching and Tovey's planned meeting with it's American translator, Remi Gassmann also mentions the publication of Tovey's compositions. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Willy Strecker, 27 July 1937
Letter, 27 July 1937, Mainz, Willy Strecker to Donald Tovey. Discussing Hindemith's book on music theory and Tovey's help with Grassmann's translation. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from James Higgs, 24 January 1891
Letter, 24 January 1891, London, James Higgs to Sophie Weisse. Discussing Tovey's progress and suggesting he has a lesson in counterpoint every other week. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from James Higgs, 07 April 1893
Letter, 7 April 1893, London, James Higgs to Sophie Weisse. Praise of the young Tovey's progress in counterpoint and exceptional musical talent. Holograph signed, with envelope written on by Miss. Weisse.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1895
Letter, [n.d], Surrey, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Informing Miss. Weisse that Tovey now has all the scores he requires and outlining the scores. Photocopy of holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1889
Letter, [1889], Windsor, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Outlining themes of String quartets. Photocopy of holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 04 September 1893
Letter, 4 September 1893, Biggar, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Thanking Miss Weisse for sending Tovey a treatise on Music by Dannreuther. Holograph signed, with stamped envelope.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 15 March 1895
Letter, 15 March 1895, Oxford, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Discussion of technique and spontaneity in music and criticism of a music committee. Holograph signed, in pencil, with stamped envelope.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1896
Letter, [1896], Oxford, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Advice on musical themes, discussion of meeting with Parry. Holograph signed.