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 Florence Houtton, 07 February 1921
Letter, 7 February 1921, Edinburgh, Florence Houtton to Donald Tovey. Expressing a disappointment in a concert review in 'The Scotsman' and discussing place and time for forthcoming concert series. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Frances Dakyns, 05 May 1909
Letter, 5 May 1909, Surrey, Frances Dakyns to Donald Tovey. Arranging a concert with the Aranyi sisters at the Bechstein hall. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Francis Edward Gladstone, 27 January 1889
Letter, 27 January 1889, London, F. E. Gladstone to Donald Tovey. Suggesting that Tovey be examined verbally on the symphony of Mozart and that a memory of various classical movements is invaluable. Holograph signed, with ms., transcript and comments by Sophie Weisse, [1]p. 20 x 13cm and envelope.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Francis John Henry Jenkinson, 13 May 1921
Letter, 13 May 1921, Cambridge, Francis Jenkinson to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Francis Shaw, c 1921
Letter, 1921, Buckinghamshire, Francis Shaw to Donald Tovey. Introducing Shaw to Tovey as a pianist and requesting that Tovey allow Shaw to perform with the Reid during the coming season. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Francois Tessier du Cros, c 08 November 1932
Letter, 8 November [1932], Montpellier, F. Tessier du Cros to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his letter and news of Tessier du Cros's wife Janet's progress and performances. Holograph signed, ( Janet Tessier du Cros nee Grierson ).
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Frank Thomas Arnold, 11 September 1932
Letter, 11 September 1932, Bath, F. T Arnold to Donald Tovey. Discussion of figured base in a particular piece, Arnold responding to Tovey's criticism. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Franz Theodor Reizenstein, 03 April 1937
Letter, 3 April 1937, London, Franz Reizenstein to Donald Tovey. Discussing Tovey's article in 'The Listener', and discussion of broadcasts and publications concerning Hindemith. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Frederick Henry Evans, 12 February 1928
Letter, 12 February 1928, London, F. H. Evans to Donald Tovey. Praising Tovey's article on Schubert in 'The heritage of music', and other works. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Frederick S. Mackay, 27 March 1939
Letter, 27 March 1939, New York, Frederick S. Mackay to Donald Tovey. Discussion of a point , backed by evidence, influenced by Tovey's essay on the Prelude to act III of Jannhausen. Holograph signed.