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 Ernest Mathews from The Secretary, The Associated Board of The Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, 15 May 1923
Letter, 15 May 1923, London, The Secretary, The Associated Board of The Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music. Covering note for a letter from a Mr. Ernest Mathews. Typescript signed.
Letter to Ernest Walker from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1915
Letter, [n.d], Donald Tovey to Ernest Walker. Concerning the announcement of a Brahms recital at a Historical concert. Holograph signed.
Letter to Ernest Walker from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 08 October 1919
Letter, 8 October 1919, Edinburgh Donald Tovey to Ernest Walker. Covering note for list of members of the Reid orchestra and letter from Lord Murray. Dictated signed.
Letter to Ernest Walker from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c1916
Letter, [n.d], Donald Tovey to Ernest Walker. Suggestions for the Reid Orchestra. Holograph signed.
Letter to Ernest Walker from Sir Donald Franics Tovey, c1920
Letter, [n.d], Donald Tovey to Ernest Walker. Notice of Emmanuel Moor's arrival. Holograph signed.
Letter to F. P. Keppel from Frank Morely Fletcher, 01 August 1924
Letter, 1 August 1924, California, Frank Morely Fletcher to F. P. Keppel. Arranging for Keppel to meet Tovey when he comes to New York. Holograph signed, with envelope.
Letter to F. W. Kelly from Sophie Weisse, c1930
Letter, [n.d], Sophie Weisse to F. W. Kelly. Arranging to perform a Brahms work and suggesting that Kelly should compose a work for Tovey. Holograph incomplete.
Letter to Fanny Davies from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, c14 September 1900
Letter, 14 September [n.y], Edinburgh, Sir Donald Francis Tovey to Fanny Davies. Introducing Mary Gardner Grierson. Holograph signed, with envelope.
Letter to Ferdinand Speyer from Sir Donald Francis Tovey, 13 July 1903
Letter, 13 July 1903, Surrey, Donald Tovey to Ferdinand Speyer. Congratulating Ferdinand on winning the Nettleship scholarship, Balliol College Oxford and offering advice.. Holograph signed, with envelope.
Letter to Flexmer from Frank Morely Fletcher, 01 August 1924
Letter, 1 August 1924, California, Frank Morely Fletcher to Flexmer. Introducing Tovey and suggesting a meeting between Flexmer and Tovey. Holograph signed.