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 Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 18 June 1890
Letter, 18 June 1890, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Enquiring when Tovey is coming for his lesson. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 23 July 1890
Letter, 23 July 1890, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Informing Miss. Weisse of the cost of lessons, commenting on Tovey's improvement and plans for his development. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 19 October 1890
Letter, 19 October 1890, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Apologising for not being able to give Tovey a lesson and suggesting a time when Parry will be available. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 23 October 1890
Letter, 23 October 1890, Oxford, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Arranging to see Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 09 November 1890
Letter, 9 November 1890, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Informing Miss. Weisse that Parry is unable to see Tovey this week. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 05 January 1891
Letter, 5 January 1891, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Informing Miss. Weisse of the cost of Tovey's lessons and suggestng he is scatterbrained and forgetful and needs self discipline. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 14 April 1891
Letter, 14 April 1891, Gloucester, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Asking whether to expect Tovey or not. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 13 December 1891
Letter, 1891 Dec 13, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Informing Miss. Weisse of Parry's busy schedule, and arranging to see Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 18 February 1892
Letter, 18 February 1892, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Details of Parry's busy schedule, news of his return to London and his hope to see Tovey again. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 20 February 1892
Letter, 20 February 1892, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Discussion of Tovey's ability to play ' the variations' by heart and his progress. Holograph signed.