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 Walter Willson Cobbett, 06 February 1925
Letter, 6 February 1925, London, W. W. Cobbett to Donald Tovey. Discussion of the publication of Tovey's article. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Walter Willson Cobbett, 24 November 1924
Letter, 24 November 1924, London, W. W. Cobbett to Donald Tovey. Details of where Tovey's articles are being sent. Holograph incomplete.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Walter Willson Cobbett, 09 June 1924
Letter, 9 June 1924, London, W. W. Cobbett to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey produce an appreciation and analysis of Brahms chamber works for orchestra for the Cyclopeadia. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Walter Willson Cobbett, 13 December 1923
Letter, 13 December 1923, London, W. W. Cobbett to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey meet Cobbett to discuss the ' Cyclopeadia of chamber music '. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Walter Willson Cobbett, 12 June 1923
Letter, 12 June 1923, London, W. W. Cobbett to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey and suggesting terms. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from [Whitehouse], 20 February 1916
Letter, 20 February 1916, New Brighton, [ Whitehouse ] to Donald Tovey. Discussion of parts for a Handel work, and comments on Adrian Boult and the Philharmonic. Typescript.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Wilibald Gurlitt, 06 November 1923
Letter, 6 November 1923, Friebourg, W. Gurlitt to Donald Tovey. Discussing Tovey's lecture on the middle ages to the University of Edinburgh and expressing a keenness to see the treasures of Edinburgh University library. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Will Stanton, 19 March 1923
Letter, 19 March 1923, Oxford, Will Stanton to Donald Tovey. Arranging to send Tovey set of parts of a quintet. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Willem Andriessen, 15 September 1924
Letter, 15 September 1924, The Hague, Willem Andriessen to Donald Tovey. Admiring Tovey's composition work and thanking Tovey for sending music. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Arnot Fleming, 04 March 1921
Letter, 4 March 1921, Dundee, W. Fleming to Donald Tovey. Arranging a date or Tovey to give a lecture. Holograph signed.