Donald Francis Tovey (1875-1940) saw himself primarily as a composer, and not without reason, because he has a substantial oeuvre to his name. Yet he is no longer known as a composer today. However, his name lives on thanks to the Essays in musical analysis that he published between 1914 and 1940. These analytical considerations are still beloved reading by music students and music lovers, especially
… in Great Britain, especially because they have those typical characteristics of British scientific literature: both testimony to solid knowledge and keen observations, and written with an elegant and fluid pen. The author Tovey bears many similarities with the composer Tovey: the Symphony recorded here is particularly impressive through its excellent command of the profession and distinguished melodiousness. Completed in 1915, the work has the usual four movements and a playing time of one hour. The idiom is relatively conservative and does not hint at the rapid succession of musical innovations since 1900. This circumstance probably contributed to the oblivion of this repertoire. However, this shows once again that a lack of progressivity does not necessarily indicate a lack of musical importance, because this graceful symphony is well worth it to be put back on the music stands. (JvG) However, this shows once again that a lack of progressivity does not necessarily indicate a lack of musical importance, because this graceful symphony is well worth it to be put back on the music stands. (JvG) However, this shows once again that a lack of progressivity does not necessarily indicate a lack of musical importance, because this graceful symphony is well worth it to be put back on the music stands. (JvG)more
