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 P. Fletcher and Albert Schweitzer, 18 May 1932
Letter, 18 May 1932, London, John P. Fletcher and Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Covering note from Fletcher outlining Schweitzer's plans and arrangements for his time in Edinburgh. Letter from Fletcher, Typescript signed; Letter from Schweitzer typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Pennington, c21 October 1920
Letter, [n.y] 21 October, London, John Pennington to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey's advice on opportunities in Los Angeles for musicians, as recommended by Sir Hugh Allen. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from John Thomson, 23 March 1923
Letter, 23 March 1923, Edinburgh, John Thomson to Donald Tovey. Praising recitals given in the Music Classroom, and discussing the prophesies of Isaiah. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Jonathon Reeves, 29 April 1924
Letter, 29 April 1924, London, Jonathon Reeves to Donald Tovey. Covering note for proofs for Tovey to check bar - references and music in a work. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Jonathon Reeves, 18 March 1939
Letter, 18 March 1939, London, Jonathon Reeves to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that his work on Beethoven's piano sonatas will soon be profit making, financial arrangements for the profits of the book. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Jonathon Reeves, 28 March 1939
Letter, 28 March 1939, London, Jonathon Reeves to Donald Tovey. Requesting a reply to a letter concerning bound volumes of Beethoven sonatas, suggesting royalty should be paid on all editions. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Josefine Slunsky, 20 May 1933
Letter, 20 May 1933, Paris, Josefine Slunsky to Donald Tovey. Requesting a meeting with Tovey in Vienna and arranging for Slunsky's music students to perform for Tovey.. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Joseph Joachim, c1900
Letter, [1900], Joseph Joachim to Donald Tovey. Regretfully explaining to Tovey that Joachim can not perform at a concert as he has to devote his time to his Quartet performances, inviting Tovey to Vienna. Holograph signed, with annotations attached to the back page.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Joseph Joachim, 01 February 1931
Letter, 1 February 1931, Berlin, Joseph Joachim to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for a present and discussion of an issue being. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Joseph Joachim, 16 July 1903
Letter, 16 July 1903, Berlin, Joseph Joachim to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for sending a birthday card, and good wishes. Holograph signed, paper torn in half.