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 Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 25 October 1903
Letter, 25 October 1903, London, Hubert Parry to Donald Tovey. Explaining why Parry can not meet Tovey in London. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 04 January 1916
Letter, 4 January 1916, Gloucester, Hubert Parry to Donald Tovey. Discussing Tovey's appointment to Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Edward William Elgar, 11 May 1906
Letter, 11 May 1906, Edward Elgar to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for sending ' things'. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Edward William Elgar, 10 February 1934
Letter, 10 February 1934, Worcester, Edward Elgar to Donald Tovey. Suggesting that Tovey's name be put forward for a title, and asking Tovey if he has any objections. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Edward William Elgar, 25 March 1952
Letter, 25 March 1952, Worcester, Edward Elgar to Donald Tovey. Talk of an exploding train. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Edward William Elgar, 16 December 1932
Letter, 16 December 1932, London, Edward Elgar to Donald Tovey. Acknowledging some correspondence from Tovey, and confirming that Tovey is to be honoured. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Edward William Elgar, 30 March 1906
Letter, 30 March 1906, Hereford, Edward Elgar to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey send essays to be placed in a library and asking for binding directions for the essays. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Edward William Elgar, 04 May 1918
Letter, 4 May 1919, London, Edward Elgar to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for sending specimen choral scores and talking highly of Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Edward William Elgar, 08 April 1931
Letter, 8 April 1931, London, Edward Elgar to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his letter. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Eugene Goosens, 12 March 1935
Letter, 12 March 1935, Cincinatti, Eugene Goosens to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on his knighthood and a covering note for an article on Tovey. Typescript signed.