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 Betty Balfour, c1930
Letter, [n.d], Surrey, Betty Balfour to Donald Tovey. Arranging to meet and escort Joachim and inviting Tovey to stay. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Betty Balfour, c1930
Letter, [n.d], Surrey, Betty Balfour to Donald Tovey. Discussion of the Joachim concerts, suggesting the Queens Hall as the venue, the London Orchestra and Tovey as conductor, guarantee of money and suggestions for pianists. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Betty Balfour, 08 February 1929
Letter, 8 February 1929, Surrey, Betty Balfour to Donald Tovey. Discussion of the appointment of a new chancellor. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Betty Balfour, 01 April 1930
Letter, 1 April 1930, Surrey, Betty Balfour to Donald Tovey. A response to Tovey's sympathy letter after the death of Arthur James Balfour. Holograph.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Betty Balfour, 14 June 1931
Letter, 14 June 1931, Surrey, Betty Balfour to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey what a pleasure it was to have him and his wife to stay. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Betty Balfour, 04 March 1937
Letter, 4 March 1937, Surrey, Betty Balfour to Donald Tovey. Details of the excitement of hearing Tovey's symphony on the ' wireless'. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Boris Hambourg, 02 January 1935
Letter, 2 January 1935, Toronto, Boris Hambourg to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on his acclaimed cello concerto and requesting a full score of the work. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from [Borwick], c1920
Letter, [n.d], [Borwick] to Donald Tovey. Suggestions that a Chopin piece would be appropriate for a concert, and apologies for missing a demonstration by Tovey. Holograph incomplete.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from British Musician's Pensions Society, 26 March 1923
Letter, 26 March 1923, British musician's pensions society to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for a donation to the ' Samaritan fund '. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Bronislaw Huberman, 09 October 1920
Letter, 9 October 1920, Copenhagen, Bronislaw Huberman to Donald Tovey. Agreeing to give a recital with Tovey and suggesting a fee, details of arrival in Edinburgh. Holograph signed.