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, 08 May 1901
Letter, 8 May 1901, Oxford, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Expressing pleasure at hearing news of Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 09 November 1906
Letter, 9 November 1906, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Explaining that Parry is too busy to see Miss. Weisse. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 10 December 1906
Letter, 10 December 1906, Gloucester, Hubert Parry to Sophie Weisse. Thanking Miss. Weisse for sending a letter, a full score and news about Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 11 October 1906
Letter, 1 October 1906, London, Hubert Parry to Siophie Weisse. Praising Miss. Weisse, suggesting that Parry visits and wishing Tovey well. Holograph signed, with stamped envelope, envelop annotated by Sophie Weisse.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, c 07 January 1940
Letter, [7 January 1940], Woking, Hubert Parry to Sophie Weisse. Congratulating Tovey on getting his foot on the ladder. Holograph signed, date as postmark, though this unlikely to be the original date, probably sent to Tovey by Sophie Weisse on this date.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 25 October 1908
Letter, 25 October 1908, Gloucester, Hubert Parry to Sophie Weisse. Praising a plants beauty, and sending love to Tovey. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 25 October 1908
Letter, 25 October 1908, Gloucester, Hubert Parry to Sophie Weisse. Praising a plants beauty, and sending love to Tovey. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 20 January 1894
Letter, 20 January 1894, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Attempting to arrange a time to look over Tovey's symphony. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 11 February 1894
Letter, 11 February 1894, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Apologising for not writing, arranging a time for Tovey's lesson. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 27 February 1894
Letter, 27 February 1894, Gloucester, Hubert Parry to Sophie Weisse. Criticism of Tovey's composition and comment on Tovey's ability and talent. Holograph signed.