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Tovey, Sir Donald Francis, 1875-1940 (Reid Professor of Music, University of Edinburgh)

 Person

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 Janet Teissier du Cros, c1930

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L1206
Scope and Contents

Letter, [n.d], Edinburgh, Janet Grierson to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey and explaining how Janet Grierson feels unworthy of this help. Holograph signed, Janet Grierson better known under her married name, Janet Tessier Du Cros.

Dates: c1930

Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Joaquim Pena, c1920

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L1487
Scope and Contents

Letter, [n.d], Barcelona, Joaquim Pena to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey on the behalf of the ' Orquestra Pau Casals ' for offering to do two concerts. Holograph signed.

Dates: c1920

Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Johannes and Julia Rontgen, 06 August 1936

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L1545
Scope and Contents

Letter, 6 August 1936, Holland, Johannes and Julia Rontgen to Donald Tovey. News of journey to Holland, of Nicholas Roth's knowledge of Tovey's Haydn trio's, congratulating Tovey on the fine melody and beautiful harmony he has made of the Newman Hymn. Holograph signed.

Dates: 06 August 1936

Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Johannes Rontgen, 19 January 1924

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L1536
Scope and Contents

Letter, 19 January 1924, Johannes Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for sending a Dohnanyi score, describing a performance of a work by Hindemith and discussing the financial state of Germany. Holograph signed.

Dates: 19 January 1924

Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Mackay, 09 February 1919

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L1381
Scope and Contents

Letter, 9 February 1919, Edinburgh, John Mackay to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that Mackay is unable to take up a position in the orchestra. Holograph signed.

Dates: 09 February 1919

Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John P. Fletcher and Albert Schweitzer, 18 May 1932

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L1649
Scope and Contents

Letter, 18 May 1932, London, John P. Fletcher and Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Covering note from Fletcher outlining Schweitzer's plans and arrangements for his time in Edinburgh. Letter from Fletcher, Typescript signed; Letter from Schweitzer typescript signed.

Dates: 18 May 1932

Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Pennington, c21 October 1920

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L1488
Scope and Contents

Letter, [n.y] 21 October, London, John Pennington to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey's advice on opportunities in Los Angeles for musicians, as recommended by Sir Hugh Allen. Holograph signed.

Dates: c21 October 1920

Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Josefine Slunsky, 20 May 1933

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L1686
Scope and Contents

Letter, 20 May 1933, Paris, Josefine Slunsky to Donald Tovey. Requesting a meeting with Tovey in Vienna and arranging for Slunsky's music students to perform for Tovey.. Holograph signed.

Dates: 20 May 1933

Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Joseph Joachim, 14 November 1903

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L1307
Scope and Contents

Letter, 14 November 1903, Berlin, Joseph Joachim to Donald Tovey. Discussion of the violinist Vescey, praise of Tovey's concerts. Holograph signed, letter in bad condition.

Dates: 14 November 1903

Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Julius Rontgen, 12 April 1930

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L1608
Scope and Contents

Letter, 12 April 1930, Bilthoven, Julius Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to perform in the Hague. Holograph signed.

Dates: 12 April 1930