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 Edith F. Ewart, 19 October 1921
Letter, 21 October 1921, Midlothian, Edith F. Ewart to Donald Tovey. Asking how Tovey is, inviting him to stay and informing him of some music manuscripts Edith Ewart has been given. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edith F Ewart, 25 December 1922
Letter, 25 December 1922, London, Mrs. Ewart to Donald Tovey. Christmas greetings and a description of the progress of the Penicuik and district orchestra. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edith F. Ewart, 16 March 1923
Letter, 16 March 1923, Midlothian, Edith F. Ewart to Donald Tovey. Asking what edition of Bach's G minor Sonata for violin and piano to get, news of a new recruit for the Reid Orchestra and of the Penicuik orchestra. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edith F. Ewart, 24 June 1923
Letter, 24 June 1923, Cheltenham, Edith F. Ewart to Donald Tovey. News of the Ewarts visit to Australia. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edith F. Ewart, 25 December 1923
Letter, 25 December 1923, Edith F. Ewart to Donald Tovey. Sending Tovey good wishes and discussing the state of orchestral music in Australia. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edith F. Ewart, 10 February 1934
Letter, 10 February 1934, Curdridge, Edith F. Ewart to Donald Tovey. Writing about the death of her husband Jack and thanking Tovey for his letter of condolences. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Ballantine, 29 October 1925
Letter,29 October 1925, Massachusetts, Edward Ballantine to Donald Tovey. Expressing delight that Tovey is to come and speak at Harvard University and suggesting the subject of Beethoven's 9th symphony. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Ballantine, 08 January 1925
Letter, 8 January 1925, Massachusetts, Edward Ballantine to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for sending analytical programme notes. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Burgess Hudson, 08 October 1931
Letter, 8 October 1931, London, E. Hudson to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to stay when he visits London for Suggia's concert. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Henry Gordon Craig, 22 November 1911
Letter, 22 November 1911, London, Gordon Craig to Donald Tovey. Requesting Tovey's presence at a meeting concerning a national festival. Typescript signed.