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 82 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Albert Schweitzer, 30 October 1930
Letter, 30 October 1930, London, Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Thanking the Tovey's of their offer of hospitality and details of Schweitzer's time of arrival and engagements. Holograph signed, letter accompanied by English translation.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 20 November 1924
Letter, 20 November 1924, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Arranging a signing of contracts, suggesting that Tovey play at a festival and give recitals in Boston and New York. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 15 December 1924
Letter, 15 December 1924, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that Friedberg is arranging concert dates for him, discussing Mrs. Gould's patronage, asking Tovey if arrangements should be made with Steinway. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 14 October 1925
Letter, 14 October 1925, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey inform Friedberg of his whereabouts , arranging hotel accommodation in New York, confirming Tovey's invitation to the Steinway reception. Typescript incomplete.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Bernard Hoffman, 25 October 1924
Letter, 25 October 1924, California, Bernard Hoffman to Donald Tovey. Outlining Hoffman's feelings about Santa Barbara as a musical centre, and that it would not offer a challenge to Tovey's skills, and answering Tovey's claims that promises were not fulfilled on his last trip to Santa Barbara. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Cesar Searchinger, 27 May 1925
Letter, 27 May 1925, London, Cesar Searchinger to Donald Tovey. Offering assistance in publicising Tovey's tour of America. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Clara Gould, c1925
Letter, [n.d], California, Clara Gould to Donald Tovey. News of Clara Tovey's travels. Holograph incomplete.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Clara Gould, 04 January 1925
Letter, 4 January 1925, Boston, Clara Gould to Donald Tovey. Gould's impressions of Friedberg, and news of Gould's travels. Holograph.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edith F. Ewart, 24 June 1923
Letter, 24 June 1923, Cheltenham, Edith F. Ewart to Donald Tovey. News of the Ewarts visit to Australia. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Erik Chisholm, 31 August 1951
Letter, 31 August 1951, Cape Town, Erik Chisholm to Donald Tovey. Concerning Grierson's visit to South Africa on a Nuffield scholarship. Typescript signed.