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 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 Johannes Röntgen, 14 December 1923
Letter, 14 December 1923, Johannes [ Rontgen], to Donald Tovey. Discussing Rontgen's plans to play and conduct Tovey's concert in Edinburgh, asks about a performance of ' Euryanthe ' in Dresden and inform Tovey that he has played with Hindemith and Zemlinsky. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Johannes Rontgen, 19 January 1924
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.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Johannes Rontgen, 24 October 1907
Letter, 24 October 1907, Amsterdam, Johannes Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Discussing forthcoming concerts and a Brahms festival, describing compositions Rontgen has written for violin and flute. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Alexander Fuller Maitland, c02 June 1930
Letter, 2 June 1930, Carnforth, J. A. Fuller Maitland to Donald Tovey. Discussing a manuscript of an important work by Johannes Sebastian Bach. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Alexander Fuller Maitland, c30 May 1930
Letter, 30 May 1930, Carnforth, J. A. Fuller Maitland to Donald Tovey. Asking if Tovey has produced an edition of 'the 48' with Harold Samuels, and requesting an edition if he has, and discussions of other editions. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Alexander Fuller Maitland, c16 May 1930
Letter, 16 May 1930 [n.y] , Carnforth J. A. Fuller Maitland to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on performances. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Auld, 13 November 1928
Letter, 13 November 1928, Edinburgh, John Auld to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his kindness and news of a song to be sung by a Miss. Scotney. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Blackwood McEwen, 09 November 1930
Letter, 9 November 1930, London, John McEwen to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for performing one of McEwen's works and praising his interpretation. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Buchan, 26 June 1934
Letter, 26 June 1934, Oxford, John Buchan To Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that Buchan would like to collaborate with Tovey over ' The Rose and the Ring ', but does not have time at present. Holograph signed.