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 Sir Donald Francis Tovey and Robert Calverley Trevelyan from Frances Dakyns, 24 April 1929
Letter, 24 April 1929, Sussex, Frances Dakyns to Donald Tovey and Robert Trevelyan. Expressing a desire to be in Edinburgh and congratulating Tovey and Trevelyan on the opera. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from A. Balfour, 26 October 1927
Letter, 1927 Oct 26, Prestonkirk, A. Balfour to Professor Tovey. Thanking Tovey for inviting the Balfours' to a rehearsal of the Reid orchestra and arranging a date for their visit. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from A. Corbett-Smith, 27 February 1921
Letter, 27 February 1921, Edinburgh, A. Corbett - Smith to Donald Tovey. On behalf of A. Corbett - Smith's wife thanking Tovey for the opportunity to play with the Reid orchestra. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from A. Corbett-Smith, 23 July 1921
Letter, 23 July 1921, London, A. Corbett-Smith to Donald Tovey. Asking if Tovey could offer Corbett - Smith's wife another engagement before November. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from A. Corbett-Smith, 30 December 1921
Letter, 30 December 1921, London, A. Corbett-Smith to Donald Tovey. Plans for the creation of a national opera, and a request that Tovey represent Edinburgh in meetings. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from A. Francis Stewart, 28 August 1921
Letter, 28 August 1921, Edinburgh, A. Francis Stewart to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to lunch to speak George Nasos about music. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from A. H. Mears, 09 March 1928
Letter, 9 March 1928, Cambridge, A. H. Mears. Suggesting the setting up of a complimentary council at the University of Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from A. Higgs, c07 November 1920
Letter, 7 November 1920, A. Higgs to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on success. Holograph signed, with obituary note of James Higgs, 'The Croydon advertiser 1902 May 8'.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from A. Lascalles, 22 March 1922
Letter, 22 March 1922, London, A. Lascalles to Donald Tovey. Outlining plans to produce Foulds world requiem in St. Pauls, backed by the Prince of Wales. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from A. Leutzberg, 23 May 1905
Letter, 23 May 1905, Coln, A. Leutzberg to Donald Tovey. Requesting a concert programme for a concert Tovey is giving in Cologne for a Mr. Steinbach. Holograph signed.