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 2127 Collections and/or Records:
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Helen Hopekirk, 08 July 1925
Letter, 8 July 1925, Massachusetts, Helen Hopekirk to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to stay when he comes to Boston to give a lecture recital, informing Tovey of an admirer, Edward Ballantine, based at the University of California. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Helen Hopekirk, c09 November 1930
Letter, 9 November 1930, Massachusetts, Helen Hopekirk to Donald Tovey. Expressing enthusiasm over Tovey's visit to America. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Helen Mackinnon, 18 May 1923
Letter, 18 May 1923, London, Helen Mackinnon to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to dinner. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Helene and Albert Schweitzer, 30 April 1928
Letter, 30 April 1928, Amsterdam, Helene and Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that Schweitzer will be unable to visit Scotland. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Helene and Albert Schweitzer, 04 January 1929
Letter, 4 January 1929, Baden, Helene and Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. New Year wishes, news of the Schweitzer's trip to Scotland in June for a graduation ceremony. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Helene and Albert Schweitzer, 11 April 1929
Letter, 11 April 1929, Baden, Helene and Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. News of Schweitzer's immense burden of work and his ill health, and news that Schweitzer will not be able to come to Scotland. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Helene and Albert Schweitzer, 13 April 1929
Letter, 13 April 1929, Baden, Helene and Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Wishing Tovey well and news of the Schweitzer's. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Henry Alastair Ferguson Crewdson, 17 October 1934
Letter, 17 October 1934, London, H. A. F. Crewdson to Donald Tovey. Offering Tovey honorary freedom of ' The Worshipful Company of Musicians'. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Henry Francis Herbert Thompson, 19 October 1903
Letter, 19 October 1903, London, Herbert Thompson to Donald Tovey. Anticipating Tovey's forthcoming concert series. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Henry Harry Cope Colles, 31 March 1924
Letter, 31 March 1924, London, H.C. Colles to Donald Tovey. Request that Tovey prepare an article on Beethoven for the Grove dictionary. Typescript signed.