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 Ernõ Dohnányi, 03 August 1926
Letter, 3 August 1926, Budapest, Erno Dohnanyi to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to help get an article published, and discussion of the suggested concert programme. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Erno Dohnanyi, 13 November 1923
Letter, 13 November 1923, Budapest, Erno Dohnanyi to Donald Tovey. Discussing plans for a rehearsal with Tovey before an Edinburgh concert. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Erno Dohnanyi, 20 September 1932
Letter, 20 September 1932, Budapest, Erno Dohnanyi to Donald Tovey. Concerning Tovey's position as judge of the Franz Liszt competition in Hungary. Typescript signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Ethel Hobday, c13 November 1920
Letter, 13 November 1920, Helensburgh, Ethel Hobday to Donald Tovey. Covering note for tickets for a recital in which Ethel Hobday is playing an request that Tovey circulate the tickets. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Eugene Zador, 22 July 1939
Letter, 22 July 1939, New York, Eugene Zador to Donald Tovey. Discussing Tovey's performance of Zador's 'Rondo' and requesting a reference from Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Eusebius Mandyczewski, c29 July 1920
Letter, 29 July 1920, Mandyczewsiki to Donald Tovey. Praise for Tovey, and describing the value of Tovey's friendship, and sympathy over Tovey's fathers death. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Eusebius Mandyczewski, 05 October 1924
Letter, 5 October 1924, Mandyczewsiki to Donald Tovey. Requesting a bibliography of Tovey's published works and describing a music festival in Vienna. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Evelyn de Vesci, 03 August 1934
Letter, 3 August 1934, Surrey, Evelyn de Vesci to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his letters and lecture. Holograph signed, in pencil.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Evelyn de Vesci, 03 July 1926
Letter, 3 July 1926, Surrey, Evelyn de Vesci to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his letter, and a discussion of a problem, where a person has become overwrought. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from F. O. Rower, 03 March 1923
Letter, 3 March 1923, Glasgow, F.O. Rower to Donald Tovey. reminding Tovey of a lecture date and inviting him to dinner. Holograph signed.