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 Charles de Sousy Ricketts, c1928
Letter, [n.d], London, Charles Ricketts to Donald Tovey. Details of the progress of the scenery and costumes for the Bride of Dionysus. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles de Sousy Ricketts, c 21 April 1929
Letter, [21 April 1929], London, Charles Ricketts to Donald Tovey. Wishing Tovey and Trevelyan success and news of some improvement in Rickett's friend Shannon. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles Francis Bell, 23 October 1897
Letter, 23 October 1897, Oxford, C. F. Bell to Donald Tovey. Cancelling a meeting, offering Tovey a book and the use of a harpsichord. Typescript copy, tea stain on right hand side of the letter.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles Francis Bell, 23 October 1897
Letter, 23 October 1897, Oxford, C. F. Bell to Donald Tovey. Cancelling a meeting, offering Tovey a book and the use of a harpsichord. Typescript copy.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles Guthrie, 06 May 1929
Letter, 6 May 1929, Edinburgh, Charles Guthrie to Donald Tovey. Discussing finances of ' The Bride of Dionysus'. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles Guthrie, 27 April 1929
Letter, 27 April 1929, Edinburgh, Charles Guthrie to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on 'The Bride of Dionysus '. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles Sandord Terry, c 12 April 1920
Letter, 12 April [n.y], Pitfodels, Charles Terry to Donald Tovey. A message for Tovey from Mandyczewski, and news of the progress of a volume by Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Charles Sanford Terry, c 07 March 1920
Letter, 7 March [n.y], Pitfodels, Charles Terry to Donald Tovey. Details of progress in the editing of a work by Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Clara Gould, 08 March 1928
Letter, 8 March 1928, California, Clara Gould to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on an accolade bestowed upon him, news of the Community Arts association in Santa Barbara, the improvement of the Philharmonic orchestra, and news of Mrs. Gould's travels. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Clara Gould, c25 December 1925
Letter, [n.y] Dec, California, Clara Gould to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his greeting and news of Gould's trip to Boston. Holograph signed.