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 Walford Davis, 24 January 1938
Letter, 24 January 1938, London, Walford Davis to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for quoting Brahms. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir Walter Hamilton Moberly, 29 March 1924
Letter, 29 March 1924, Manchester, Walter H. Moberly to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey's advice on the future of the faculty of music at Manchester University. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir William Henry Hadow, 08 December 1925
Letter, 8 December 1925, Sheffield, W. H. Hadow to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on his article on Schubert which is being published. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir William Rothenstein, 13 August 1935
Letter, 13 August 1935, Bad Nauheim, William Rothenstein to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his letter, news of Tovey's son, and an invitation for Tovey to visit Rothenstein. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sir William Symington McCormick, c29 May 1931
Letter, 29 May 1931, London, W. S. Mcormick to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for introducing Fould's work and offering advice on how to get the work published and performed. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from [Sofia Murller], 02 June 1939
Letter, 2 June 1936, [ Sofia Murller] to Donald Tovey. Praising a moving concert programme of Tovey's, thanking Tovey for his humanity and skills at teaching music. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 20 February 1892
Letter, 20 February 1892, Biggar, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Advising Tovey to visit by Tuesday, news that Parry is waiting to receive work from Tovey. Typescript copy, incomplete.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 19 February 1892
Letter, 19 February 1892, Biggar, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Advising Tovey to stay where he is as a member of Miss. Weisse's household has influenza. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 09 February 1892
Letter, 9 February 1892, Moffat, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Commenting on a letter from Tovey's ill aunt Jane, and concerned with a parcel from Tovey's mother and a letter to Mrs. Coward. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 03 April 1891
Letter, 3 April 1891, Moffat, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to stay with Miss. Weisse. Typescript copy.