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 Guilhermina Suggia, 08 January 1935
Letter, 8 January 1935, ' The Highland Chieftan', Guilhermina Suggia to Donald Tovey. Congratulating Tovey, and informing Tovey of the praise Suggia has heard for his cello concerto. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Guilhermina Suggia, 29 October 1930
Letter, 29 October 1930, Guilhermina Suggia to Donald Tovey. Requesting that Lady Tovey inform Tovey of the joy Suggia felt when playing with him and news of Suggia's trip back to Portugal. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Guilhermina Suggia, 15 September 1935
Letter, 15 September 1935, Portugal, Guilhermina Suggia to Donald Tovey. Cancelling future engagements due to an operation, and expressing dismay at missing Tovey in Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Guilhermina Suggia, c1920
Letter, [n.d], Northumberland, Guilhermina Suggia to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for offering to play at a concert, but admitting that Suggia will not be able to pay Tovey a full fee. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Gustav Holst, c20 April 1924
Letter, 20 April 1924, London, Gustav Holst to Donald Tovey. Plans for Holst's conducting a concert in Edinburgh. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Gustav Holst, c07 January 1930
Letter, 7 January 1930, London, Gustav Holst to Donald Tovey. Wishing Tovey well after his recovery from illness. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Gustav Holst, 20 September 1923
Letter, 20 September 1923, London, Gustav Holst to Donald Tovey. Details of a German translation of Holst's 'Hymn of Jesus' by Lauckner, and the problems of publication, and invitation to dine with Holst. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Gustav Holst, c14 November 1930
Letter, 14 November 1930, London, Gustav Holst to Donald Tovey. Declining to accept an offer of work from Tovey because Holst feels unworthy and he is required to do as little as possible by his doctor. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Gustav Theodore Holst, 23 March 1922
Letter, 23 March 1922, London, Gustav Holst to Donald Tovey. Thanking Tovey for putting on a performance of ' the Hymn of Jesus'. Holograph signed.
Letter to Sir Donald Francis Tovey from Gustav Theodore Holst, 29 November 1923
Letter, 29 November 1923, London, Gustav Holst to Donald Tovey. Discussion of Lauckner's German translation of 'The Hymn of Jesus' and the problems with publishing the work. Holograph signed.