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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 William Strecker, 30 January 1912

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2490
Scope and Contents

Letter, 30 January 1912, William Strecker to Sophie Weisse. Enclosing a letter that reveals ' the facts' that explain a situation that may have hurt Tovey. Typescript signed.

Dates: 30 January 1912
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from William Strecker, 30 January 1912

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2491
Scope and Contents

Letter, 30 January 1912, London, William Strecker to Sophie Weisse. Advising Miss. Weisse to inform Tovey that she is paying for his works to be published, discussing copyright fee and explaining that the Tovey's works were published because of their artistic merit rather than a business point of view. Typescript signed.

Dates: 30 January 1912
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from William Strecker, 17 February 1917

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2492
Scope and Contents

Letter, 17 February 1917, London, William Strecker to Sophie Weisse. Discussing the advertisement of the forthcoming Chelsea concert series, and news of a biographical sketch of Tovey's to appear in the ' Musical Record'. Holograph signed.

Dates: 17 February 1917
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from William Strecker, 29 February 1912

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2493
Scope and Contents

Letter, 29 February 1912, London, William Strecker to Sophie Weisse. Informing Miss. Weisse that Strecker has booked The Aeolian Hall for Tovey's piano recitals, and details for the publicity of the concerts. Typescript signed.

Dates: 29 February 1912
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from William Strecker, 16 July 1920

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2497
Scope and Contents

Letter, 16 July 1920, Mainz, William Strecker to Sophie Weisse. Confirming the receipt of manuscripts, referring to advice from Tovey and work with Beecham. Typescript signed.

Dates: 16 July 1920
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from William Strecker, 12 November 1912

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2499
Scope and Contents

Letter, 12 November 1912, London, William Strecker to Sophie Weisse. Informing Miss. Weisse that Tovey has delivered proofs of his works for printing and advising on the difference of opinion and difficult situation between Tovey and another party. Typescript signed.

Dates: 12 November 1912
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from William Strecker, 01 July 1912

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2500
Scope and Contents

Letter, 1 July 1912, London, William Strecker to Sophie Weisse. Concerning a mistake over concert dates, news of Godley and asking Miss. Weisse what should be done with the Ms. of Ariadne. Typescript signed.

Dates: 01 July 1912
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from William Strecker, 21 May 1913

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2502
Scope and Contents

Letter, 21 May 1913, London, William Strecker to Sophie Weisse. Enclosing the account of the Chelsea concerts, which is deficit by sixty pounds, discussion of the unnecessary expense of the concerts. Typescript signed.

Dates: 21 May 1913
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from Wilma Halle, 27 October 1908

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2203
Scope and Contents

Letter, 27 October 1908, London, Wilma Halle to Sophie Weisse. Thanking Miss. Weisse for sending a letter and cheque, praising Tovey's playing of Mozart. Holograph signed.

Dates: 27 October 1908
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence

Letter to Sophie Weisse from Wilma Halle, 18 March 1908

 Item
Identifier: Coll-411/1/1/L2204
Scope and Contents

Letter, 18 March 1908, London, Wilma Halle to Sophie Weisse. Accepting an invitation to play with Tovey. Holograph signed.

Dates: 18 March 1908
Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / The Tovey Collection / Papers of Donald Francis Tovey / Correspondence