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 Julius Rontgen, 27 August 1930
Letter, 27 August 1930, Bilthoven, Julius Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Plans for Rontgen's Edinburgh symphony and Reid concert. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Julius Rontgen, 02 October 1930
Letter, 2 October 1930, Bilthoven, Julius Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Discussing a programme for a Reid concert, asking if any more concerts are possible, informing Tovey that Rontgen's biography of Greig is being published. Holograph signed, incomplete.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Julius Rontgen, c1931
Letter, [1931], Bilthoven, Julius Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Discussing plans for concerts, Rontgen's composition work and Tovey's 'Ariadne'. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Julius Rontgen, 13 January 1932
Letter, 1932 Jun 13, Surrey, Julius Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Discussing an opera and compositions by Rontgen and inviting Tovey to stay. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Julius Rontgen, 01 April 1937
Letter, 1 April 1937, J. Rontgen to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that he is to be honoured at the 25th anniversary of Hollands string quartet festival. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Karl Klinger, 15 October 1928
Letter, 15 October 1928, Berlin, Karl Klinger to Donald Tovey. Discussing a concert programme and looking forward to performing with Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Kate Friskin, 18 May 1924
Letter, 18 May 1924, Massachusetts, Kate Friskin to Donald Tovey. News of Friskin's address in New York, thanking Miss. Weisse for her letter and talk of Tovey. Holograph signed, with Kate Friskin's address card, 6 x 9cm.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Kate Friskin, c29 March 1930
Letter, 29 March 1930, London, Kate Friskin to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey for a letter of reference to enable her to look for work in America. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Kathleen Hale, c1930
Letter, [n.d], Kathleen Peabody to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Keith [Faeker], 06 March 1931
Letter, 6 March 1931, Edinburgh, Keith [Faeker] to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for sending a note of encouragement before a performance and praising Tovey's arrangements. Holograph signed.