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 Hugh Percy Allen, 12 February 1934
Letter, 12 February 1934, London, Hugh Allen to Donald Tovey. Accepting an invitation. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Hugh Percy Allen, 09 October 1934
Letter 9 October 1934, London, Hugh Allen to Donald Tovey. A discussion of Music degree students and methods of teaching an examining. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Isidor George Henschel, 10 January 1916
Letter, 10 January 1916, Aviemore, George Henschel to Donald Tovey. Wishing Tovey success with a Beethoven concert programme. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Isidor George Henschel, 28 February 1916
Letter, 28 February 1916, London, George Henschel to Donald Tovey. Wishing Tovey a happy New year. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Isidor George Henschel, 16 April 1917
Letter, 16 April 1917, London, George Henschel to Donald Tovey. Praising Tovey's work in Scotland, his new venture, and wishing Tovey and Mrs. Tovey well. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Isidor George Henschel, 16 October 1919
Letter, 16 October 1919, George Henschel to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey advise of a good singing teacher based in Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Isidor George Henschel, 01 September 1921
Letter, 1 September 1921, Aviemore, George Henschel to Donald Tovey. Introducing a friend of Henschel's to Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Isidor George Henschel, 27 September 1921
Letter, 27 September 1921, Aviemore, George Henschel to Donald Tovey. Introducing a young singer to Tovey and requesting that he offer her some advice. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Isidor George Henschel, 25 March 1923
Letter, 25 March 1923, London, George Henschel to Donald Tovey. Asking if Tovey will read and criticise an article by Henschel. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Isidor George Henschel, 16 January 1927
Letter, 16 January 1927, London, George Henschel to Donald Tovey. Suggesting a candidate for an honorary degree from Edinburgh University music department. Holograph signed.