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 [G. N. Wintour], 18 August 1931
Letter, 18 August 1931, Midlothian, [G. N. Wintour] to Donald Tovey. Discussion of the work of the work of Helmholz and Trautwein and comment on Tovey's conducting abilities. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Geoffrey Parratt, 06 September 1929
Letter, 6 September 1929, Woking, Geoffrey Parratt to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey send letters to his sisters direct, offering typing services and informing Tovey that Edward Arnold is keen to hear of any progress. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from George Hurley, 02 February 1922
Letter, 2 February 1922, Birmingham, George Hurley, Secretary, The University of Birmingham, to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that he has been appointed external examiner in music to The University of Birmingham. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from George Szell, 07 March 1937
Letter, 7 March 1937, Prague, George Szell to Donald Tovey. Discussing plans to fill the post of concertmaster for the Scottish Orchestra and asking Tovey's help in translating Mahler's Earth Song. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Gerhard Herz, 19 September 1934
Letter, 19 September 1934, Dusseldorf, Gerhard Herz to Donald Tovey. Describing the political situation in Germany and asking Tovey's help so Herz can get his dissertation published in the United Kingdom and secure work as a musician and scholar. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Guilermina Suggia, 12 November 1938
Letter, 12 November 1938, London, Guilermina Suggia to Donald Tovey. Expressing delight that Tovey and Suggia are to play together, and requesting scores for the performance. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Heinrich Swoboda, c1930
Letter, [n.d], Heinrich Swoboda to Donald Tovey. Sending reviews of Tovey's concerts in Prague and news of Swoboda's current projects. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from [Horny ], c1933
Letter, 1933, [Horny] to Donald Tovey. Expressing thanks for Tovey's work in an international jury for the Francis Liszt piano prize competition. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Ibbs and Tillett, 16 September 1922
Letter, 16 September 1922, London, Ibbs and Tillett to Donald Tovey. Asking whether Tovey would be prepared to ask Dohnyani to perform at one of his concerts. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Isabelle Dunlop, 21 November 1937
Letter, 21 November 1937, London, Isabelle Dunlop to Donald Tovey. Praising a concert and suggesting Tovey hear some of her work. Holograph signed.