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 John Christie, 18 March 1936
Letter, 18 March 1936, Sussex, John Christie to Donald Tovey. Explaining that Christie is looking for an opera written by a British composer ' which will be the greatest opera of our generation'. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Christie, 08 April 1936
Letter, 8 April 1936, Sussex, John Christie to Donald Tovey. Suggesting difficulties as to putting on The Bride of Dionysus at The Glyndebourne festival, suggestions for successful opera. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Coates, 16 June 1911
Letter, 16 June 1911, London, John Coates to Donald Tovey. An enquiry about the Chelsea concert series. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Daniels, 25 September 1924
Letter, 25 September 1924, New York, John Daniels to Donald Tovey. Arranging a meeting. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Herbert Foulds, 29 September 1916
Letter, 29 September 1916, London, J. H. Foulds to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for sending Foulds compositions to Rontgen and covering note for the compositions. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Herbert Foulds, 23 November 1930
Letter, 23 November 1930, London, John Foulds to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to look over Foulds new compositions. Holograph signed, with advertisement for 'Music today' by John Foulds, [2]p. 19 x 13cm, printed on light blue paper.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Herbert Foulds, 06 January 1923
Letter, 6 January 1923, London, John Foulds to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that Foulds 'World requiem' is to be produced by Mr. Kennedy Scott and suggesting a performance of the work in Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Hunter, 18 July 1922
Letter, 18 July 1922, Fife, John Hunter to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to give a recital lecture. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John [Knope], 16 July 1918
Letter, 16 July 1918, Edinburgh, John [Knope] to Donald Tovey. Sympathising with Tovey's severe cold. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Mackay, 09 February 1919
Letter, 9 February 1919, Edinburgh, John Mackay to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that Mackay is unable to take up a position in the orchestra. Holograph signed.