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 75 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from S. H. Peckitt, c1910
Letter, [n.d], S. H. Peckitt to Donald Tovey. Praising Tovey's work and requesting that Tovey play again. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Isidor George Henschel, 10 January 1916
Letter, 10 January 1916, Aviemore, George Henschel to Donald Tovey. Wishing Tovey success with a Beethoven concert programme. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Isidor George Henschel, 16 October 1919
Letter, 16 October 1919, George Henschel to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey advise of a good singing teacher based in Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir James Steuart Wilson, c 01 March 1931
Letter, 1 March 1931, Edinburgh, Steuart Wilson to Donald Tovey. Description of rehearsals, and plans for performances. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 24 September 1892
Letter, 24 September 1892, Moffat, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Advising Tovey on what to work at and expressing anxiety at Tovey' lack of piano practise. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 18 October 1893
Letter, 18 October 1893, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Advising Donald to play well in a group that are weak. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 29 October 1893
Letter, 29 October 1893, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Covering note for some cod-liver oil, and advising Donald to work daily. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 11 November 1900
Letter, 11 November 1900, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Encouraging Tovey to practise his piano playing and develop a depth of tone and shades. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from W Greenhouse Allt, 05 July 1934
Letter, 5 July 1934, Edinburgh, Allt to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that Holst's ' Hymn of Jesus' may be too difficult to perform, because of the choir and difficulty in arranging rehearsals. Typescript signed, with pencil letter from Tovey to Mary Grierson on the back, objecting to Allt's points.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from W. Wainsupp, 04 March 1931
Letter, 4 March 1931, Edinburgh, W. Wainsupp to Donald Tovey. Sympathising with Tovey's confinement due to illness assuring Tovey that the Reid Orchestra will perform well without him. Holograph signed.