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 Elizabeth Pickerly, 28 May 1921
Letter, 28 May 1921, Edinburgh, Elizabeth Pickerly to Donald Tovey. Asking if one of Tovey's pupils could teach Pickerly and her brother music theory. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Elizabeth Trevelyan, c1911
Letter, [1911], Surrey, Elizabeth Trevelyan to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to stop burdening Robert Trevelyan with work, as he is becoming anxious and overworked. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Elizabeth Trevelyan, c 04 July 1913
Letter, 4 July [1913], Surrey, Elizabeth Trevelyan to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Tovey take Robert Trevelyan into his confidence, and elucidate his plans for the opera. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Elizabeth Trevelyan, c 22 September 1934
Letter, 22 September [1934], Surrey, Elizabeth Trevelyan to Donald Tovey. Praising Tovey's first radio broadcast. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Elizabeth Trevelyan, c 24 October 1930
Letter, 24 October [n.y], Surrey, Elizabeth Trevelyan to Donald Tovey. Wishing Tovey well and sending news of the Trevelyan family. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Elizabeth Trevelyan, c 02 April 1900
Letter, 2 April [n.y], Surrey, Elizabeth Trevelyan to Donald Tovey. Inviting Tovey to stay when he comes to give a lecture at Woking, news from Holland. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Elizabeth Trevelyan, c 26 February 1930
Letter, 26 February [n.y], Stratford on Avon, Elizabeth Trevelyan to Donald Tovey. Wishing Tovey well, requesting an analytical programme of Tovey's symphony, and expressing an eagerness to hear Tovey's symphony. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Elma Burnett, 01 October 1921
Letter, 1 October 1921, Edinburgh, Elma Burnett to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for a testimonial and his offer of coaching. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Elsa Dohnanyi-Salapes, 25 September 1923
Letter, 25 September 1923, Budapest, Elsa Dohnanyi - Salapes to Donald Tovey. Discussing plans for Dohnanyi to give a concert in Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Elsa Frobel, 25 November 1920
Letter, 25 November 1920, Edinburgh, Elsa Frobel to Donald Tovey. Offering assistance to ' Madame Schumann's', daughter and informing Tovey that Frobel was a pupil of Madame Schumann's. Holograph signed.