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 Adolf Busch, 23 February 1934
Letter, 23 February 1934, London, Adolf Busch to Donald Tovey. Expressing delight at being awarded a doctorate from Edinburgh University, and describing rehearsals of Tovey's variations in Bristol. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Adolf Busch, 17 July 1935
Letter, 17 July 1935, Basel, Adolf Busch to Donald Tovey. Concern over Tovey's health, looking forward to Tovey's string quartet and reports on Adolf Buschs' composition work. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Alan Gray, 23 March 1923
Letter, 23 March 1923, Cambridge, Alan Gray to Donald Tovey. Answering an enquiry from Tovey concerning an elderly composer , H. H. S, and commenting on a report written by Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Alban Hood, c06 July 1920
Letter, 6 July 1920, Lincoln, Alban Hood to Donald Tovey. Praising Tovey's skills as a teacher and performer. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Alberic Wynberg, 15 May 1933
Letter, 15 May 1933, Alberic Wynberg to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for a gracious analysis of Wynberg's work and a description of the work. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Albert and Helene Schweitzer, 01 August 1929
Letter, 1 August 1929, Baden, Albert and Helene Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his part in the award of Schweitzer's honorary degree in music. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Albert and Helene Schweitzer, 20 February 1930
Letter, 20 February 1930, Bordeaux, Albert and Helene Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that he will receive a copy of Schweitzer's book on St. Paul, news of Schweitzer's health, and New Year wishes. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Albert Schweitzer, 21 August 1928
Letter, 21 August 1928, Strasbourg, Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Concerning Tovey's dedication of 'The Art of the Fugue' to Schweitzer, enclosing a copy of Schweitzer's book and thanking Tovey for collaborating on the work. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Albert Schweitzer, 30 October 1930
Letter, 30 October 1930, London, Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Thanking the Tovey's of their offer of hospitality and details of Schweitzer's time of arrival and engagements. Holograph signed, letter accompanied by English translation.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Albert Schweitzer, c 24 November 1931
Letter, [24 November 1931], Lambarne, Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Praising Tovey's ' Art of the Fugue' and expressing pleasure at the fact that Tovey has dedicated the work to him. Holograph signed.