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 Cyril Pearce, 14 June 1937
Letter, 14 June 1937, Norwich, Cyril Pearce to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for agreeing to be President of the Norwich Chamber Orchestra and a programme for the coming season. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from D. Emrys Evans, 12 January 1931
Letter, 12 January 1931, Bangor, D. Emrys Evans to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his letter concerning music degrees, and music departments in Universities. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from D. Laughton, 08 March 1923
Letter, 8 March 1923, York, D. Laughton to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to donate music to the library of The British Music Society. Holograph signed, with a stamped addressed envelope.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Daisy James Jones, c1922
Letter, 1922, Daisy James Jones to Donald Tovey. News of the James Jones family. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Dame Ethel Mary Smyth, 09 April 1901
Letter, 9 April 1901, Ethel Smyth to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to visit Smyth over a weekend. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Dame Julia Myra Hess, 17 October 1938
Letter, 17 October 1938, London, Myra Hess to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for renewing Hess's confidence in her musical ability. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Dame Julia Myra Hess, 20 October 1938
Letter, 20 October 1938, London, Myra Hess to Donald Tovey. Informing Tovey of a Steinway concert grand piano being sent as a gift to him. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Dame Julia Myra Hess, 30 September 1936
Letter, 30 September 1936, London, Myra Hess to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for renewing Hess's courage after a disturbing time at Norwich. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from [Daniel Darly], 21 April 1932
Letter, 21 April 1932, County Down, [Daniel Darly] to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to articulate his reasons for leaving The Royal Society of Music, discussion on the campaign against foreign artists visiting the country, discussion of the dangers of music on the wireless. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from [Daniel Darly], 05 May 1932
Letter, 5 May 1932, County Down, [Daniel Darly] to Donald Tovey. Discussing the issue of foreign musicians being allowed to play in Britain, responding to a letter from Tovey. Holograph signed.