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 Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 05 June 1890
Letter, 5 June 1890, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Informing Miss. Weisse of the times Parry is available to teach Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 05 January 1891
Letter, 5 January 1891, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Informing Miss. Weisse of the cost of Tovey's lessons and suggestng he is scatterbrained and forgetful and needs self discipline. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 20 February 1892
Letter, 20 February 1892, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Discussion of Tovey's ability to play ' the variations' by heart and his progress. 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 Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 10 May 1900
Letter, 10 May 1900, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Discussion of violin and pianoforte methods, news of Tovey's development. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 18 October 1893
Letter, 18 October 1893, Wokingham, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Description of a rehearsal of works by Beethoven and Brahms. Photocopy of Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 05 June 1924
Letter, 5 June 1924, Edinburgh, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. News of Lord Murray's capable management of the Reid orchestra. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Walter Parratt, c 09 November 1900
Letter, 9 November [1900], Windsor, Walter Parratt to Sophie Weisse. Discussion of the young Tovey's talents and development. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Wilma Halle, 18 March 1908
Letter, 18 March 1908, London, Wilma Halle to Sophie Weisse. Accepting an invitation to play with Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Wilma Halle, 25 December 1909
Letter, 25 December 1909, London, Wilma Halle to Sophie Weisse. Thanking Miss. Weisse for her kindness expressing a desire to play with Tovey for pleasure. Holograph signed.