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 Pitts Sanborn, 02 November 1937
Letter, 2 November 1937, New York, Pitts Sanbon to Donald Tovey. News of Sanbon's latest book, ' The Metropolitan book of the opera ' and an acknowledgement of Tovey's book ' Essay's in musical analyses'. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from R. C. Jack, 05 April 1929
Letter, 5 April 1929, Edinburgh, R. C. Jack to Donald Tovey. Request that Tovey pay half the costs of wigs etc. for ' The Bride of Dionysus '. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from R. Phillip, 31 January 1920
Letter, 31 January 1920, Edinburgh, R. Phillip to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for talking to the fellows of the Royal college of physicians. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from R. Samper, 03 April 1932
Letter, 3 April 1932, Edinburgh, R. Samper to Donald Tovey. Covering letter returning a treasured book to Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Rae Robertson, 09 August 1922
Letter, 9 August 1922, London, Rae Robertson to Donald Tovey. Offering Robertson' s services at Edinburgh concerts and a covering note for press cuttings. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Rae Robertson, 16 March 1923
Letter, 16 March 1923, London, Rae Robertson to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey arrange an appearance for Robertson at an Edinburgh concert. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Ralph T. Langdon, 14 April 1923
Letter, 14 April 1923, Stuttgart, Ralph T. Langdon to Donald Tovey. Expressing an enthusiasm for the vacant post at St. Giles and detailing his plans unless Tovey requires him back in Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Ralph T. Langdon, 07 May 1923
Letter, 7 May 1923, Edinburgh, Ralph T. Langdon to Donald Tovey. Asking for advice concerning the vacancy at St. Giles, and a contact address for Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Ralph T. Langdon, 18 March 1923
Letter, 18 March 1923, Stuttgart, Ralph T. Langdon to Donald Tovey. Concerning Langdon's power of attorney, and describing the 'delightful' time Langdon is having in Stuttgart. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Rev Duncan Crooks Tovey, c1900
Letter, [n.d], London, Duncan Tovey to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Donald on the successful run of his concerts, inviting Donald to 'The Logic Club' and to dinner. Holograph signed.