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 Macqueen Findlater, 21 April 1923
Letter, 21 April 1923, Aberdeen, Macqueen & Findlater to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey for advice concerning a client who wishes to make a bequest to encourage music in Aberdeen. Typescript.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Marco Goldin, 29 May 1929
Letter, 29 May 1929, Liechtenstein, Marco Goldin to Donald Tovey. Asking if a Vera Henderson can perform Beethoven's E sharp concerto with Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Marga Denecke, c1920
Letter, [n.d], Marga Denecke to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to stay. Holograph signed, incomplete.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Marga Denecke, 02 June 1933
Letter, 2 June 1933, Oxford, Marga Denecke to Donald Tovey. Details of Professor Einstein's visit to the Denecke's after a death in the family. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Marga Denecke, 29 December 1922
Letter, 29 December 1922, Oxford, Marga Denecke to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for sending some programmes and notes to Marga Denecke. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Marga Denecke, 28 January 1923
Letter, 28 January 1923, Oxford, Marga Denecke to Donald Tovey. Details of lecture programme and arrival date in Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Margaret Kennedy, 25 September 1923
Letter, 25 September 1923, Edinburgh, Margaret Kennedy to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for helping the School concert scheme. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Margaret Kennedy Fraser, 14 March 1921
Letter, 14 March 1921, Edinburgh, Margaret Kennedy Fraser to Donald Tovey. Praising Tovey's efforts in Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Margaret Parratt, 25 October 1921
Letter, 25 October 1921, Surrey, Englefield Green, Margaret Parratt. Arranging a date to meet Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Margaret Warre Cornish, 28 June 1928
Letter, 28 June 1928, Hertfordshire, Margaret Warre Cornish to Donald Tovey. Note informing Tovey that a manuscript can not be found and enthusiasm over a proposal from Tovey. Holograph signed.