Finale (Twelve Melodious Pieces, (Op. 26, No. 12)

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.

"Finale" is the final work in the collection and brings the set to a brilliant conclusion.

In the key of G Minor, it begins with a brisk and bristling Allegro, which reminded me of the writings of William Faulkes and Alexandre Guilmant.

The allegro is suddenly interrupted by a chorale-like second theme, which is transformed several times throughout the work.

The passage work is superimposed over the chorale, and a big climax is reached, culminating on the dominant chord of D major.

A pedal point is held while the rapid passage work sequences us back to the feel of the opening, but with bigger chords, a double pedal part, and punctuating accents from the Solo tuba.

The second returns, this time played upon the Swell strings, creating a moment of wistful nostalgia which melts away before the theme is taken up by the full organ.

There is an exciting coda which really brings not only the piece but the entire set to a thrilling conclusion.

Having done all twelve, I have to set the my respect and admiration has grown for Towshend Driffield. He may have been "only an amateur," but he knew how to write in ways that are colorful and interesting, despite the conservative aspects of the music.

In each work, he always manages to make the instrument sound great, which really is what an organ composer should do!

I hope these performances would please him.

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

Also attached is a photo of Christ Church, Claughton, Birkenhead, where Driffield was organist, as well as two photos of his grave in Merseyside.