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 Camillo Ritter, 16 September 1919
Letter, 16 September 1919, Glasgow, Camillo Ritter to Donald Tovey. Discussing the orchestra, the establishment of an advisory committee, and comment on Tovey's opera. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Camillo Ritter, 04 April 1923
Letter, 4 April 1923, Inverness, Camillo Ritter to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey grant Ritter a solo engagement at the Usher Hall to play a Beethoven concerto. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Camillo Ritter, 12 September 1919
Letter, 12 September 1919, Glasgow, Camillo Ritter to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey if Ritter is to be part of Tovey's orchestral scheme. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Carl Deis, 13 October 1925
Letter, 13 October 1925, New York, Carl Deis to Donald Tovey. Arranging a meeting to go over Tovey's Opus 8. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Carleton Sprague Smith, 20 April 1939
Letter, 20 April 1939, New York, Carleton Smith to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to join an advisory committee for the Schola Cantorum of New York, and a description of the Schola Cantorum's activities. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Carol Dournelnd Constock, c25 December 1910
Letter, [n.d], California, Carol Dournelnd Constock to Donald Francis Tovey. Christmas greetings. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Cecil and Guy Maynard Liddell, c03 May 1920
Letter, 3 May 1920, London, Cecil and Guy Liddell to Donald Tovey. Covering note for a gift given to Tovey and his son. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Cecil Liddell, c06 March 1920
Letter, 6 March 1920, London, Cecil Liddell to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey make a round out of an advertisement for Calamine soap. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Cesar Searchinger, 27 May 1925
Letter, 27 May 1925, London, Cesar Searchinger to Donald Tovey. Offering assistance in publicising Tovey's tour of America. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles de Sousy Ricketts, c 1928
Letter, [n.d], London, Charles Ricketts to Donald Tovey. Details of a meeting with Hedmount who disliked plans for scenery, and news that Ricketts is looking after an ill friend. Holograph signed.