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 1894
Letter, 8 May 1894, London, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Concerning cheques for payments of Tovey's lessons, informing Miss. Weisse that Tovey has a good chance of winning the Nettleship scholarship. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 31 May 1894
Letter, 31 May 1894, Cambridge, Hubert C. Parry to Sophie Weisse. Information and advice about the Nettleship scholarship. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from [ Sir David Oswald Hunter Blair ], 10 January 1901
Letter, 10 January 1901, Oxford, [ David Hunter Blair ] to Sophie Weisse. Thanking Miss. Weisse for sending a letter and information on Tovey. Holograph incomplete, author taken from annotation in red at top of letter by Miss. Weisse.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Frances Tovey, c1900
Letter, [n.d], Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Describing Tovey's indigestion, asking for advice concerning the performance of Tovey's violin sonata at the Oxford University musical club. Photocopy of Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1889
Letter, [1889], Windsor, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Outlining themes of String quartets. Photocopy of holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1900
Letter, [n.d], Windsor, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Looking at Beethoven's 'Eroica'. Photocopy of holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1897
Letter, 1897, Oxford, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Explaining a misunderstanding between Miss. Weisse and Tovey's father, and suggesting that they both can play a part in developing Tovey's reading skills. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 22 September 1931
Letter, 22 September 1931, Surrey, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Explaining why Miss. Weisse could not attend a broadcast of Tovey's and praising the broadcast. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 03 January 1893
Letter, 3 January 1893, Paisley, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Outlining Tovey's travel arrangements and his anxiety to complete a first movement. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sophie Weisse from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 14 May 1893
Letter, 14 May 1893, Surrey, Donald Tovey to Sophie Weisse. Inquiring how Miss. Weisse is, and news of Tovey family life. Typescript copy.