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 Edward Speyer, 13 January 1910
Letter, 13 January 1910, Hertfordshire, Edward Speyer to Donald Tovey. Outlining plans for two pupils of Miss Fullinger to play at a concert at the Bechstein Hall, asking Tovey to accompany them, news of the death of Rudolph von der Seyen. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Speyer, 19 December 1910
Letter, 19 December 1910, Hertfordshire, Edward Speyer to Donald Tovey. Suggesting Lord Plymouth stand in place of Douglas Freshfield on the committee of the classical concert society, and a listing of the executive committee. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Speyer, 18 July 1911
Letter, 18 July 1911, Hertfordshire, Edward Speyer to Donald Tovey. News that Lord Plymouth will join the Committee of the Classical Concert Society, requesting a final decision on a Bach concert programme. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Speyer, 29 July 1911
Letter, 29 July 1911, Hertfordshire, Edward Speyer to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey if he would consider playing the Continuo part in a Bach concert. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Speyer, 25 November 1916
Letter, 25 November 1916, Hertfordshire, Edward Speyer to Donald Tovey. Expressing the Speyers distress at the news of Cleggs death 'at the front', and praise for Clegg. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Speyer, 02 April 1925
Letter, 2 April 1925, Hertfordshire, Edward Speyer to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on his recovery from illness, expressing disappointment that Tovey has not commented on Speyer's book, and news of their contemporaries. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Speyer, 30 August 1930
Letter, 30 August 1930, Hertfordshire, Edward Speyer to Donald Tovey. Covering note for letters to Speyer from Andreas Moser concerning Tovey, news of Dr. Alfred Einstein's visit, inviting the Tovey's to stay. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Edward Speyer, 08 October 1932
Letter, 8 October 1932, Hertfordshire, Edward Speyer to Donald Tovey. Expressing joy at the news of Tovey's recovery, news of a visit from the Busch quartet and other news. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Eleanor Douglas Pennant, c1900
Letter, [n.d], Guildford, Eleanor Douglas Pennant to Donald Tovey. News of Douglas Pennant and her family. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Elizabeth Chalmers, c 12 December 1930
Letter, 12 December [n.y], Linlithgowshire, Elizabeth Chalmers to Donald Tovey. Request that Tovey give a recital of Chopin's works for Lady Chalmers. Holograph signed.