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 E. Dohnanyi - Salapes, 20 February 1935
Letter, 20 February 1935, Budapest, E. Dohnanyi - Salapes to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on his knighthood and discussing Rambert and the ballet. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from E. Edward, 12 April 1923
Letter, 12 April 1923, Edinburgh, E. Edward to Donald Tovey. Requesting a reference for the position of organist and choirmaster at St. Giles cathedral. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from E. H. Joyner, 06 November 1900
Letter, 6 November 1900, Brighton, E. H. Joyner to Donald Tovey. Praising Tovey's concert of works by Mozart, Chopin and himself. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from E. M. Widor, 03 December 1934
Letter, 3 December 1934, Paris, E. M. Widor to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on completing his edition of Bach's ' Art of the Fugue' and asking after Tovey's health. Written for Widor by Albert Schweitzer, signed, with stamped envelope.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Earl of Moray, 18 May 1922
Letter, 18 May 1922, Perth, Earl of Moray to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for sending Moray a copy of his musical analysis of The Golgdberg variations. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Earl of Moray, 10 March 1923
Letter, 10 March 1923, Perth, Earl of Moray to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to be a guest at the Perth and Perthshire music festival. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Earl of Moray, 21 March 1926
Letter, 21 March 1926, Perth, Earl of Moray to Donald Tovey. Discussion, praise and criticism of Reid concerts including Bach's cantatas. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Eddie Marsh, 06 October 1897
Letter, 6 October 1897, London, Eddie Marsh to Donald Tovey. Arranging to visit Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Eddie Marsh, c07 July 1900
Letter, 7 July 1900, [London], Eddie Marsh to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for informing Marsh of concerts and booking two stalls. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edgar Behrens, 06 April 1922
Letter, 6 April 1922, Yorkshire, Edgar Behrens to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to Bradford to speak about the Moor duplex piano. Holograph signed.