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 Robert Calverley Trevelyan, 18 January 1910
Letter, 18 January 1910, Surrey, Robert Trevelyan to Donald Tovey. Outlining in detail Trevelyan's plans for Act III of 'The Bride of Dionysus'. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Robert Finnie McEwen, c1920
Letter, [n.d] Berwickshire, Robert Finnie McEwen to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his letter, describing a concert of a Vaughan Williams work, praising Stonley. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Robert Finnie McEwen, c01 March 1922
Letter, 1 March 1922, Berwickshire, Robert Finnie McEwen to Donald Tovey. Describing McEwen's engagements, explaining why he can not attend concerts in Edinburgh, details of McEwen's financial situation, and his feelings about music patronage. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Robert Finnie McEwen, c1930
Letter, [n.d], Berwickshire, Robert Finnie McEwen to Donald Tovey. Arranging a suitable date for Tovey to give a performance. Holograph, incomplete.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Robert Finnie McEwen, c1930
Letter, [n.d], Berwickshire, Robert Finnie McEwen to Donald Tovey. Discussing a lost score and offering Tovey help. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Robert Finnie McEwen, c1930
Letter, [n.d], Berwickshire, Robert Finnie McEwen to Donald Tovey. Discussion of Tovey's composition and performances. Holograph, incomplete, no order, may be several letters.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Robert G. Sprout, 09 June 1939
Letter, 9 June 1939, California, Robert G. Sprout to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to become visiting professor of music at the University of California for one year. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Robert McLeod, 25 April 1932
Letter, 25 April 1932, Edinburgh, Robert Mcleod to Donald Tovey. Conveying good wishes and looking forward to seeing Tovey in the near future. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Rodolphi Soiroy, c1920
Letter, [n.d], Edinburgh, Rodolphi Soiroy to Donald Tovey. Praising Tovey's quartet, and reminding Tovey of a meeting. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from [Rontgen], c 1900
Letter, [n.d], [Rontgen] to Donald Tovey. Outlining his gratitude to Tovey, describing the value of a link with Edinburgh and describing Tovey's character in detail. Holograph signed.