Trumpet-March (Twelve Melodious Pieces, Op. 26, No. 10)

Edward Townshend Driffield was born in Prescot, near Liverpool, on December 10, 1851, and died at Ormskirk on Nov. 15th, 1925.

He was organist of Christ Church, Claughton, Birkenhead, and a solicitor in Tranmere.

"Twelve Melodious Pieces" were published by E. Donajowski, London, and are inscribed to him. They are solid, well-written, mostly conservative pieces. Tomorrow I hope to complete the set of 12.

"Trumpet-March" is the tenth work in the collection and it is a ROUSING ONE!

I'm issuing a "smile alert" as well as a volume alert - as in don't play it too loud... ;-)

In the key of B-flat major, it begins with a rolling introduction that quickly leads to the first fanfare. It's sort as if the military band are getting ready to step off, as the march proper begins. Notice that you hear the Pedal reeds rolling up and down as part of the intro, and the quickly, they come off.

You'll also notice that the "trumpet part" is actually played upon the Solo tuba.

If you think this "pump organ" piece is easy, I invite you to give it a go...

The main theme is a delight, and sort of reminiscent of the "Anvil Chorus." You'll see what I mean!

The central section continues the drive, and these "softer" fanfares are played upon the Swell Horn and Trumpet which, when combined, give the perfect sound for this.

An elaborated version of the opening returns, passing through a fanfare and leading to the main march theme, now played upon the full organ.

The style of this is way out-of-date, but my oh my, it would be hard to beat this one for sheer joy and exciting energy. THIS will lift you up for sure!

The score, courtesy of Dr. John Henderson, is attached below.

Also attached is a photo of Christ Church, Claughton, Birkenhead, where Driffield was organist. I have no photos of him, but I did find one of his grave, which is in St. Luke's Churchyard, Formby, Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, Merseyside.