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 Percy Carter Buck, 31 December 1916
Letter, 31 December 1916, London, Percy Buck to Donald Tovey. Requesting Beethoven sonatas before printing, note of a cello piece, and news of Bucks new post. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Percy Carter Buck, 01 April 1925
Letter, 1 April 1925, Percy Buck to Donald Tovey. Covering letter for examination papers and notes on a certain candidates performance. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Percy Carter Buck, 21 October 1924
Letter, 21 October 1924, Percy Buck to Donald Tovey. Buck recommending that all the students work he has seen was of a good standard and should pass examination. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Percy Carter Buck, 18 March 1924
Letter, 18 March 1924, Percy Buck to Donald Tovey. Buck's comments on the papers of Tovey's music students, and news of correspondence with Suggia. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Percy Carter Buck, 21 March 1925
Letter 21 March 1925, Percy Buck to Donald Tovey. Buck agreeing that four candidates should pass their second professional examinations. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Robert Phillip, c1935
Letter, 1935, Edinburgh, Sir Robert Phillip to Donald Tovey. Praising Tovey's work and congratulating Tovey on receiving his knighthood. Ms. Transcript by Miss. Weisse.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Thomas Beecham, 06 December 1918
Letter, 6 December 1918, London, Thomas Beecham to Donald Tovey. Expressing regret that Beecham was unable to visit Edinburgh and meet Tovey and enquiries about Tovey's opera. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Thomas Henry Wait Armstrong, 22 March 1939
Letter, 22 March 1939, Oxford, Thomas Armstrong to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for sending Armstrong some works and praise for a Major Adkins. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Thomas Henry Wait Armstrong, c03 June 1939
Letter, [3 June 1939], Oxford, Thomas Armstrong to Donald Tovey. Explaining a misunderstanding over the dates Armstrong is expected in Edinburgh and a covering note for some compositions by Moonie. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Thomas Henry Wait Armstrong, c03 June 1939
Letter, [3 June 1939], Oxford, Thomas Armstrong to Donald Tovey. Notice of arrival time in Edinburgh. Holograph signed.