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 Albert Schweitzer, 08 May 1932
Letter, 8 May 1932, Holland, Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Discussing Schweitzer's plans to collect an honorary doctorate from St. Andrews university and hoping to do something with Tovey at the University of Edinburgh music faculty. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Albert Schweitzer, 02 November 1937
Letter, 2 November 1937, Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Remembering Tovey's cello concerto and his hospitality and describing a book Schweitzer is writing. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Albert Schweitzer, 22 May 1931
Letter, 22 May 1931, Alsace, Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for an invitation to give a concert whilst Schweitzer is in Edinburgh, giving Gifford lectures. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Albert Schweitzer, 03 December 1934
Letter, 3 December 1934, Alsace, Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Discussing Tovey and Schweitzer's close understanding as musicians, praising Tovey's ' Art of the Fugue'. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Albert Schweitzer, 21 January 1935
Letter, 21 January 1935, Strasbourg, Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on his knighthood, informing Tovey that Schweitzer is going to see the newly discovered vaccination for yellow fever at the Pasteur institute, Paris. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Albert Schweitzer, 11 November 1934
Letter, 11 November 1934, Alsace, Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his hospitality, describing organ concerts in Lausanne and London and Schweitzer's work on the Gifford lectures. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Albert Schweitzer, 02 November 1935
Letter, 2 November 1935, London, Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Discussing Schweitzer's plans to come to Edinburgh to give a lecture. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Albert Schweitzer, c 01 November 1935
Letter, [November 1935], London, Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to confirm Schweitzer's engagements in Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Albert Schweitzer, 06 November 1938
Letter, 6 November 1938, London, Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Reminiscing over times spent with the Tovey's in Edinburgh and discussing the publication of Schweitzer's book, 'African Stories'. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Albert Schweitzer, c 1935
Letter, [n.d], London, Albert Schweitzer to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his concert in Oxford to raise funds for Schweitzer's hospital and discussing Tovey's plans to play in Barcelona. Holograph signed, with black and white picture postcard of Schweitzer's hospital at Lambarene.