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 from A. Middleton, 16 October 1939
Letter, 16 October 1939, London, A. Middleton to Donald Tovey. Concern over Tovey's arthritis, informing Tovey that his nephew has recently moved to Edinburgh and asking if Tovey will make their acquaintance. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from 'A. Student', 12 March 1923
Letter, 12 March 1923, Edinburgh, 'A. Student' to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his Bach lectures and requesting that they be continued. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Achille Simonetti, c1900
Letter, [n.d], London, Achille Simonetti to Donald Tovey. Praising Tovey's performance and essay on the Goldberg variations, arranging rehearsals for Simonetti and Mr. Blumenthal. Holograph signed, with annotation in blue ink by Miss Weisse.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Adele Hertes, c1925
Letter, [n.d], East Hampton, Adele Hertes to Donald Tovey. Explaining why Hertes can not organise two recitals and inviting Tovey to stay. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Adila Adrienne Adalbertina Maria Fachiri, c04 February 1938
Letter, 4 February 1938, London, Adila Fachiri to Donald Tovey. Praising Tovey's letter in 'The Times', and thanking him for his help and teaching. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Adila Adrienne Adalbertina Maria Fachiri, 09 May 1929
Letter, 9 May 1929, Madrid, Adila Fachiri to Donald Tovey. Apologising for not coming to Edinburgh and details of Adila's tours. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Adila Adrienne Adalbertina Maria Fachiri, c1929
Letter, [n.d], London, Adila Fachiri to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for sending a message of encouragement before a performance, and a description of the performance. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Adila Adrienne Adalbertina Maria Fachiri, 21 November 1931
Letter, 21 November 1932, London, Adila Fachiri to Donald Tovey . Expressing disappointment at missing Tovey and inviting Tovey to London. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Adolf Busch, 23 September 1932
Letter, 23 September 1932, London, Adolf Busch to Donald Tovey. Discussing Tovey's illness, Radio broadcasts and the death of Rontgen and Tovey's obituary for him. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Adolf Busch, 07 July 1938
Letter, 7 July 1938, Basel, Adolf Busch to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to help Dr. and Mrs. Gombrich, jews in Vienna, informing Tovey that Toscanini has already written to support their refugee applicants. Holograph signed.