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 William Bentley, 07 June 1923
Letter, 7 June 1923, Birmingham, William Bentley to Donald Tovey. Explaining the details of a music scholarship and the candidates. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Donald, 02 June 1928
Letter, 2 June 1928, Glasgow, William Donald to Donald Tovey. Discussion of a correspondence in the press concerning Sodowskis variations on the theme of Schubert's B minor symphony and suggestions on how the symphony should be completed. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Giles Whittaker, 16 February 1933
Letter, 16 February 1933, Glasgow, William Giles Whittaker to Donald Tovey. Welcoming Tovey back to public life. Typescript.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Gow, 15 October 1930
Letter, 15 October 1930, Perth, William Gow to Donald Tovey. Discussing art, classics and travel. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Havergal Brian, 06 May 1922
Letter, 6 May 1922, Brighton, Havergal Brian to Donald Tovey. Concerning the publication of music scores. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from william Havergal Brian, 07 February 1933
Letter, 7 February 1933, London, Havergal Brian to Donald Tovey. Nostalgic praise for Tovey and covering note for several of Brian's compositions. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Paterson Paterson, 22 November 1934
Letter, 22 November 1934, North Berwick, W. P. Paterson to Donald Tovey. A discussion of the issues raised in Tovey's lecture on the aesthetics of music. Holograph signed, W. P Paterson was a Professor at the University of Edinburgh.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Paterson Paterson, 09 December 1937
Letter, 9 December 1937, Edinburgh, W. P. Paterson to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for giving Paterson a copy of ' Essays in Musical Analysis, vol V '. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Pearce, 31 March 1922
Letter, 31 March 1922, William Pearce to Donald Tovey. A covering note for suggestions to put Tovey ' in control'. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from William Richardson, 06 November 1930
Letter, 6 November 1930, Colorado, William Richardson to Donald Tovey. Congratulating the Reid orchestra on a beautiful performance broadcast on the radio. Holograph signed.