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 Sophie Weisse from Clara Gould, 16 June 1926
Letter, 16 June 1926, California, Clara Gould to Sophie Weisse. Thanking Miss. Weisse for sending a photograph of John Tovey, informing Miss. Weisse of her travels and her continuing financial support of Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Edward Speyer, 30 September 1912
Letter, 30 September 1912, Hertfordshire, Edward Speyer to Sophie Weisse. Thanking Miss. Weisse for sending news of Tovey and of his fathers death. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Elizabeth Edith Balfour, 21 February 1909
Letter, 21 February 1909, Woking, Betty Balfour to Sophie Weisse. Expressing delight at Tovey's visit, and details of a planned recital and concert. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Elizabeth Edith Balfour, c1900
Letter, [n.d], Woking, Betty Balfour to Sophie Weisse. Covering letter for the Fishers Hill concert programmes, and financial arrangements. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Elizabeth Trevelyan, 19 July 1919
Letter, 19 July 1919, Elizabeth Trevelyan to Sophie Weisse. Declining being interviewed by Miss. Weisse and informing her that the Trevelyan's have never been a menace to Tovey's interests. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Ellen Joachim, c 03 September 1900
Letter, 3 September [n.y], Surrey, Ellen Joachim to Sophie Weisse. Describing Tovey's stay with Ellen Joachim, and expressing the wish that he could stay longer. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Ellen Joachim, c1900
Letter, [n.d], London, Ellen Joachim to Sophie Weisse. Postponing a visit to Miss. Weisse's to see Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from [Emily Ritchie], c 10 November 1900
Letter, 10 November [n.y], [Emily Ritchie] to Sophie Weisse. Describing time spent with Joachim, and his praise of Tovey. Holograph incomplete, authors name taken from pencil annotation at top of letter.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Ernest Walker, c 02 April 1905
Letter, 2 April [1905], Oxford, Ernest Walker to Sophie Weisse. Accepting an invitation to hear Tovey play. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Ernest Walker, 26 December 1908
Letter, 26 December 1908, Oxford, Ernest Walker to Sophie Weisse. Thanking Miss. Weisse for a picture of herself and Tovey, suggesting that it is a privilege to teach Tovey. Holograph signed.