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 Sophie Weisse, 20 February 1892
Letter, 20 February 1892, Moffat, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Encouraging Tovey to become a widely read scholar, news of Louisa's illness. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 20 February 1892
Letter, 20 February 1892, Moffat, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. News of Louisa's health, informing Tovey that Hubert Parry would like to see some of his work. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 18 July 1892
Letter, 18 July 1892, Moffat, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Outlining plans for Tovey to go to Cambridge University. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, c1893
Letter, [1893], Wixenford, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Instructing Tovey on meeting Miss. Weisse and getting to Euston. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 24 September 1892
Letter, 24 September 1892, Moffat, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Advising Tovey on what to work at and expressing anxiety at Tovey' lack of piano practise. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 17 October 1893
Letter, 17 October 1893, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Expressing Miss. Weisse's anxiety at not finding Donald on the train, and asking if he could stay on Friday night. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 18 October 1893
Letter, 18 October 1893, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Advising Donald to play well in a group that are weak. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 29 October 1893
Letter, 29 October 1893, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Covering note for some cod-liver oil, and advising Donald to work daily. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 10 December 1893
Letter, 10 December 1893, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Advising Tovey to avoid water and milk, but to eat raisins, advising Tovey of travel plans. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 12 December 1893
Letter, 12 December 1893, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Asking how Tovey is, and wishing him well. Typescript copy.