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, c1893
Letter, [1893], Wixenford, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Travel arrangements for getting to Rugby. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 03 August 1897
Letter, 3 August 1897, Chester, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Description of Miss. Weisse's time in Chester. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 11 November 1900
Letter, 11 November 1900, Surrey, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Encouraging Tovey to practise his piano playing and develop a depth of tone and shades. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 18 August 1912
Letter, 18 August 1912, Bad Nauheim, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Description of Miss. Weisse's journey to Bad Nauheim. Holograph signed, in pencil.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 07 June 1919
Letter, 7 June 1919, London, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Discussion of infants, and of Tovey's visit to England. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 02 September 1921
Letter, 2 September 1921, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Arranging to meet Tovey and expressing a desire to see Fritz Busch. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 12 November 1921
Letter, 12 November 1921, Suffolk, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey of the antics of his young adopted son, John. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 20 November 1921
Letter, 20 November 1921, [Suffolk], Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Discussion of Emmanuel Moor and the Aolian company, news of Tovey's adopted son and Miss. Weisse's state of health. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 11 September 1922
Letter, 11 September 1922, Bad Nauheim, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. News of Miss. Weisse's time in Bad Nauheim, discussion of the German mark in comparison to the English pound, and plans for leaving Germany. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Sophie Weisse, 13 April 1923
Letter, 13 April 1923, Edinburgh, Sophie Weisse to Donald Tovey. Expressing sympathy and offering help, news of Miss. Weisse's health and her mourning in the absence of the dear boy. Holograph signed.