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 Henry Havergal, c 28 November 1930
Letter, 28 November 1930, Edinburgh, Henry Havergal to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his efforts, considering the small pay cheque. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Henry Havergal, c 04 March 1931
Letter, 4 March 1931, Glasgow, Henry Havergal to Donald Tovey. Expressing disappointment that Tovey will not be conducting a forthcoming concert. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Henry Havergal, c 25 February 1933
Letter, 25 February 1933, Edinburgh, Henry Havergal to Donald Tovey. Admitting Tovey's influence over Havergal's analysis. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Henry Havergal, 02 September 1933
Letter, 2 September 1933, Edinburgh, Henry Havergal to Donald Tovey. News of Havergal's acceptance of a music post at Haileybury. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from [Hermann], 30 October 1922
Letter, 30 October 1922, Stuttgart, [Hermann] to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to help H. J. Moser to perform and publish a work on Handel's Oratorio, asking Tovey to write an article for 'Scottish Musical Magazine'. Typescript incomplete.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from [Hermann], 13 October 1922
Letter, 13 October 1922, Stuttgart, [Hermann] to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for sending a book, discussing plans to publish a book in German and English, reviewing Tovey's Euryanthe. Typescript, signed in pencil.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Hermann Fritz Busch, 22 September 1919
Letter, 22 September 1919, Northumberland, Hermann Busch to Donald Tovey. Arranging to meet Tovey and news of Hermann Buschs' stay in Northumberland. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Hermann Wolff, 14 December 1901
Letter, 14 December 1901, Berlin, Hermann Wolff to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey send Wolff concert programmes for concerts in January. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Hermione Taylor, 15 December 1923
Letter, 15 December 1923,Edinburgh, Hermione Taylor to Donald Tovey. Enclosing a present for Tovey's son John and inviting him to tea. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Herrman, 21 November 1931
Letter, 21 November 1931, Basel, Herrman to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for sending his Cello music and discussing the radio broadcast of Casal's concert and Adolf Buschs' concerts in America. Holograph signed.