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 93 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Johannes and Julia Rontgen, 06 August 1936
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.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John P. Fletcher and Albert Schweitzer, 18 May 1932
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.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Leslie Hays Heward, 26 March 1925
Letter, 26 March 1925, Cape Town, Leslie Heward to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey help the Cape Town orchestra on their tour of Britain, especially their visit to Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Louis Fleury, c1925
Letter, [1925], Paris, Louis Fleury to Donald Tovey. Commenting on Tovey's trip to America and concerts in Paris and Edinburgh. Holograph signed, with black and white photograph of a man looking puzzled stuck to top of p.1.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Maud Fletcher, 26 October 1924
Letter, 26 October 1924, California, Maud Fletcher to Donald Tovey. Outlining Mrs. Gould's funding for Tovey, and the difficulties faced in arranging concerts for Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Maud Fletcher, 16 October 1925
Letter, 16 October 1925, California, Maud Fletcher to Donald Tovey. Expressing gratitude to Tovey for his visit to Santa Barbara and news from there. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Ralph T. Langdon, 14 April 1923
Letter, 14 April 1923, Stuttgart, Ralph T. Langdon to Donald Tovey. Expressing an enthusiasm for the vacant post at St. Giles and detailing his plans unless Tovey requires him back in Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Ralph T. Langdon, 18 March 1923
Letter, 18 March 1923, Stuttgart, Ralph T. Langdon to Donald Tovey. Concerning Langdon's power of attorney, and describing the 'delightful' time Langdon is having in Stuttgart. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Herbert John Clifford Grierson, 29 December 1925
Letter, 29 December 1925, Vienna, H. J. C. Grierson to Donald Tovey. News of Grierson's trip to Vienna. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, c1892
Letter, [1892], Cambridge, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Advising Tovey on how to get to Worplesdon, and to pack everything. Typescript copy, incomplete.