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 [Daniel Darly], 05 May 1932
Letter, 5 May 1932, County Down, [Daniel Darly] to Donald Tovey. Discussing the issue of foreign musicians being allowed to play in Britain, responding to a letter from Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from E. Edward, 12 April 1923
Letter, 12 April 1923, Edinburgh, E. Edward to Donald Tovey. Requesting a reference for the position of organist and choirmaster at St. Giles cathedral. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Elizabeth Pickerly, 28 May 1921
Letter, 28 May 1921, Edinburgh, Elizabeth Pickerly to Donald Tovey. Asking if one of Tovey's pupils could teach Pickerly and her brother music theory. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Elizabeth Trevelyan, c1911
Letter, [1911], Surrey, Elizabeth Trevelyan to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to stop burdening Robert Trevelyan with work, as he is becoming anxious and overworked. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Ernest de Selincourt, 14 March 1939
Letter, 14 March 1939, Birmingham, E de Selincourt to Donald Tovey. Discussion of the chair of music at the University of Birmingham, and the qualities the suitable candidate needs. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Ernest Walker, c 11 April 1916
Letter, 11 April [n.y], Oxford, Ernest Walker to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for a letter on variations and a discussion of orchestration. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from [Ernest Walker], c1920
Letter, [n.d], [ Ernest Walker] to Donald Tovey. News that 'the lady' has chosen to work with Frederick Moore rather than Ernest Walker. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from F. O. Rower, 03 March 1923
Letter, 3 March 1923, Glasgow, F.O. Rower to Donald Tovey. reminding Tovey of a lecture date and inviting him to dinner. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Fanny Davies, 02 March 1918
Letter, 2 March 1918, London, Fanny Davies to Donald Tovey. Introducing a young pianist to Tovey and suggesting Tovey become a patron and tutor of the boy. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Fritz Veiel, 27 December 1923
Letter, 27 December 1923, Stuttgart, Fritz Veiel to Donald Tovey. Discussing the financial situation in Germany, congratulating Tovey on a performance in Dresden and thanking Tovey for sending journals. Holograph signed.