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 Andersen Strecker, c1920
Letter, 1916 Feb 6, A Strecker to Donald Tovey. Anticipating press reviews of Tovey's concerts, informing Tovey that he is working on a new opera by Korngold and thanking Tovey for offering sympathy over the death of his son. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Andrew David Sloan, 12 May 1923
Letter, 12 May 1923, Fife, Andrew David Sloan to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to recommend a teacher in Paris for his son. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 30 September 1924
Letter, 30 September 1924, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Arranging a meeting with Tovey. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 20 November 1924
Letter, 20 November 1924, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Arranging a signing of contracts, suggesting that Tovey play at a festival and give recitals in Boston and New York. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 15 December 1924
Letter, 15 December 1924, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey that Friedberg is arranging concert dates for him, discussing Mrs. Gould's patronage, asking Tovey if arrangements should be made with Steinway. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 24 March 1925
Letter, 24 March 1925, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey send a biographical sketch of his career and press cuttings. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 09 April 1925
Letter, 9 April 1925, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Imploring that Tovey reply to her communications. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 14 August 1925
Letter, 14 August 1925, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Covering note for a letter, and confirmation of the change of dates for a concert at the Aolian hall. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 14 October 1925
Letter, 14 October 1925, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Note that a date could not be arranged in Oxford. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Annie Friedberg, 14 October 1925
Letter, 14 October 1925, New York, Annie Friedberg to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey inform Friedberg of his whereabouts , arranging hotel accommodation in New York, confirming Tovey's invitation to the Steinway reception. Typescript incomplete.