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 Gordon Bottomley, 12 January 1927
Letter, 12 January 1927, Carnforth, Gordon Bottomley to Donald Tovey. Asking Tovey to stay with the Bottomleys' while he is going a recital in Kendal. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Gordon Bottomley, 19 February 1931
Letter, 19 February 1931, London, Gordon Bottomley to Donald Tovey. Apologising to Tovey for not personally expressing his feelings about a concert and subsequently praising Tovey's work. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Gordon Bottomley, c1935
Letter, [1935], Carnforth, Gordon Bottomley to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey on his knighthood. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Gossfried Muller, 10 June 1931
Letter, 10 June 1931, Dresden, Gossfried Muller to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for his musical instruction and tutoring. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Granville Bantock, 25 June 1923
Letter, 25 June 1923, Birmingham, Granville Bantock to Donald Tovey. Arranging a suitable date for Tovey to play. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Granville Bantock, 15 June 1923
Letter,15 June 1923, Birmingham, Granville Bantock to Donald Tovey. Note on behalf of Mrs. Bantock saying she is looking forward to seeing Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Granville Bantock, 17 December 1918
Letter, 17 December 1918, Birmingham, Granville Bantock to Donald Tovey. Information relating to Bantock's orchestra as requested by Tovey. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Greta Busch, 01 May 1934
Letter, 1 May 1934, Greta Busch to Donald Tovey. Discussing acquiring Bocklein illustrations for Tovey, and expressing concern for home and family. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Gretta Don, 28 March 1922
Letter, 28 March 1922, Gretta Don to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for allowing Greta Don to sing at concerts. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Guilermina Suggia, 12 November 1938
Letter, 12 November 1938, London, Guilermina Suggia to Donald Tovey. Expressing delight that Tovey and Suggia are to play together, and requesting scores for the performance. Holograph signed.