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Tovey, Sir Donald Francis, 1875-1940 (Reid Professor of Music, University of Edinburgh)

 Person

Staff Only

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, 12 October 1892

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2366
Scope and Contents

Letter, 12 October 1892, Oxford, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Sympathy over Tovey's crooked spine, details of Parry's engagements, and comment on a musical fund for scholars. Holograph signed.

Dates: 12 October 1892
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 14 December 1892

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2367
Scope and Contents

Letter, 14 December 1892, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Informing Miss. Weisse that Parry is overworked although he hopes to make time for Tovey. Holograph signed.

Dates: 14 December 1892
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 16 November 1893

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2368
Scope and Contents

Letter, 16 November 1893, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Thanking Miss. Weisse for her letter and gift and suggesting that Donald apply for a scholarship to Balliol College, Oxford. Holograph signed.

Dates: 16 November 1893
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 06 July 1894

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2376
Scope and Contents

Letter, 6 July 1894, Worthing, Hubert Parry to Sophie Weisse. Expressing his desire that Tovey's talents will flourish at Oxford and congratulations. Holograph signed.

Dates: 06 July 1894
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 20 February 1895

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2377
Scope and Contents

Letter, 20 February 1895, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Explaining to Miss. Weisse that Parry is busy. Holograph signed.

Dates: 20 February 1895
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 18 February 1895

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2378
Scope and Contents

Letter, 18 February 1895, London, Hubert Parry to Sophie Weisse. Suggesting Tovey should try for a Mendelssohn scholarship. Holograph signed.

Dates: 18 February 1895
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 03 December 1896

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2381
Scope and Contents

Letter, 3 December 1896, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Informing Miss. Weisse that it would be a ' singular waste of a remarkable gift ' if Tovey were to give up music. Holograph signed.

Dates: 03 December 1896
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 07 December 1896

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2382
Scope and Contents

Letter, 7 December 1896, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Wishing Tovey well and suggesting his career in music is a promising one. Holograph signed.

Dates: 07 December 1896
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, c1890

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2383
Scope and Contents

Letter, [n.d], London, Hubert Parry to Sophie Weisse. Explaining that Parry is unable to give Tovey lessons, and informing Miss. Weisse that Tovey does not need extra lessons anyway as he has natural talent. Holograph signed.

Dates: c1890
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 10 May 1900

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2385
Scope and Contents

Letter, 10 May 1900, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Discussion of violin and pianoforte methods, news of Tovey's development. Holograph signed.

Dates: 10 May 1900
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence