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 81 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Robert Calverley Trevelyan from Sophie Weisse, 03 December 1916
Letter, 3 December 1916, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Robert Trevelyan. Enclosing the ms. score for the 'Bride of Dionysus', and inviting Trevelyan to visit. Holograph signed.
Letter to Robert Calverley Trevelyan from William Strecker, c1915
Letter, [n.d], William Strecker to Robert Trevelyan. Thanking Trevelyan for writing, discussion of Tovey's completion of the opera, offering help with the production of the opera, news that Strecker is tired of his imprisonment. Holograph signed, written on German Prisoner of War notepaper, with a postmark, Alexandra Palace.
Letter to Robert Trevelyan from Loudoun Shepherd, 27 May 1931
Letter, 27 May 1931, Edinburgh, Loudoun Shepherd to Robert Trevelyan. Concerning arrangements for 'The Bride of Dionysysus'. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey and Robert Calverey Trevelyan from W Clarkson, 15 March 1929
Letter, 15 March 1929, London, W. Clarkson To [ Donald Tovey and R. C. Trevelyan]. Concerning the price of wig hire for the ' Bride of Dionysus'. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey and Robert Calverley Trevelyan from Frances Dakyns, 24 April 1929
Letter, 24 April 1929, Sussex, Frances Dakyns to Donald Tovey and Robert Trevelyan. Expressing a desire to be in Edinburgh and congratulating Tovey and Trevelyan on the opera. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Camillo Ritter, 16 September 1919
Letter, 16 September 1919, Glasgow, Camillo Ritter to Donald Tovey. Discussing the orchestra, the establishment of an advisory committee, and comment on Tovey's opera. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles de Sousy Ricketts, c 1928
Letter, [n.d], London, Charles Ricketts to Donald Tovey. Details of a meeting with Hedmount who disliked plans for scenery, and news that Ricketts is looking after an ill friend. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles de Sousy Ricketts, c1928
Letter, [n.d], London, Charles Ricketts to Donald Tovey. Details of the progress of the scenery and costumes for the Bride of Dionysus. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles de Sousy Ricketts, c 21 April 1929
Letter, [21 April 1929], London, Charles Ricketts to Donald Tovey. Wishing Tovey and Trevelyan success and news of some improvement in Rickett's friend Shannon. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles Guthrie, 06 May 1929
Letter, 6 May 1929, Edinburgh, Charles Guthrie to Donald Tovey. Discussing finances of ' The Bride of Dionysus'. Typescript signed.