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 Lionel Tertis, 01 December 1932
Letter, 1 December 1932, Edinburgh, Lionel Tertis to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his telegram, wishing Tovey a speedy recovery, and praising Tovey's concert notes. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from London A. Corbett-Smith, 12 November 1922
Letter, 12 November 1922, London A. Corbett-Smith to Donald Tovey. Promoting 'National opera handbooks', and news of a son born to Corbett-Smith. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Louis Fleury, c1925
Letter, [1925], Paris, Louis Fleury to Donald Tovey. Commenting on Tovey's trip to America and concerts in Paris and Edinburgh. Holograph signed, with black and white photograph of a man looking puzzled stuck to top of p.1.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Lucy Sklovsky, 16 May 1922
Letter, 16 May 1922, Edinburgh, Lucy Sklovsky to Donald Tovey. News of Slovsky's family, an outbreak of Scarlet fever and a production of Carmen. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from M. Beatrice McEwen, c1920
Letter, [n.d], Inverness, M. Beatrice McEwen to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to Inverness to talk on music appreciation. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from M. H. Carre, 11 February 1934
Letter, 11 February 1934, Bristol, M. H. Carre to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his letter on The Busch variations for string quartet. Holograph signed, Paper headed The University of Bristol, Department of Philosophy.
Letter to [Sir Donald Francis Tovey] from M. Henderson, 05 June 1923
Letter, 5 June 1923, London, M. Henderson to [Donald Tovey]. Concerning the health of Mrs. Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from M. Lidstone, c08 March 1920
Letter, 8 March 1920, Edinburgh, M. Lidstone to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey for supper. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from M. R. B. Steffens, 12 August 1937
Letter, 12 August 1937, London, M. R. B. Steffens to Donald Tovey. Covering letter for 'pulls' for the plates of Tovey's sonata for two cellos and arranging to show Tovey the stock list of engraved plates. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from M. Stuart Fergusson, 12 January 1932
Letter, 12 January 1932, London, M. Stuart Fergusson to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for an inspiring concert and praising Tovey's performance. Typescript signed.