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 144 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Camillo Ritter, 12 September 1919
Letter, 12 September 1919, Glasgow, Camillo Ritter to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey if Ritter is to be part of Tovey's orchestral scheme. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Carleton Sprague Smith, 20 April 1939
Letter, 20 April 1939, New York, Carleton Smith to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to join an advisory committee for the Schola Cantorum of New York, and a description of the Schola Cantorum's activities. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles Sandord Terry, c 12 April 1920
Letter, 12 April [n.y], Pitfodels, Charles Terry to Donald Tovey. A message for Tovey from Mandyczewski, and news of the progress of a volume by Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Clara Gould, 29 October 1924
Letter, 29 October 1924, California, Clara Gould to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that Mrs. Fernald will take over Tovey's plans, and that Gould will continue to financially patronise Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Clara Gould, 20 October 1924
Letter, 30 October 1924, California, Clara Gould to Donald Tovey. Hoping Tovey will agree to a plan proposed by Mrs. Fernald, news of further financial support. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Clara Gould, 02 December 1924
Letter, 2 December 1924, New York, Clara Gould to Donald Tovey. Details of a meeting with Annie Friedberg, a proposal to employ an administrative assistant for Tovey's musical tours of America, . Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Clara Gould, 03 February 1925
Letter, 3 February 1925, California, Clara Gould to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey of a meeting with Friedberg, and that Gould is to increase her financial support to Tovey and news from Santa Barbara. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Cyril Pearce, 14 June 1937
Letter, 14 June 1937, Norwich, Cyril Pearce to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for agreeing to be President of the Norwich Chamber Orchestra and a programme for the coming season. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Dame Julia Myra Hess, 17 October 1938
Letter, 17 October 1938, London, Myra Hess to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for renewing Hess's confidence in her musical ability. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from [Daniel Darly], 21 April 1932
Letter, 21 April 1932, County Down, [Daniel Darly] to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to articulate his reasons for leaving The Royal Society of Music, discussion on the campaign against foreign artists visiting the country, discussion of the dangers of music on the wireless. Holograph signed.