Minuet in D, Op. 4

William Ralph Driffill (1870-1922) was born in Dunstable, England on December 8, 1870 and died at Barnet on April 24, 1922.

He studied at the Royal Academy of Music, London. He was a music teacher and Organist of Monken Hadley Parish Church; St. Mark’s, Barnet Vale, beginning in 1901, and conductor of the Barnet Philharmonic Society.

He composed six piano sonatinas and a number of organ pieces including, some of which are still played occasionally, especially the "Toccata" from the "Suite in F Minor," and the "Cantaline in A-minor," which makes a delightful encore of the salon type.

On April 22nd of this year, St. Mark's Church, Barnet Vale, where Driffill was organist, will be holding a concert of his works, thus commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of his death.

"Minuet in D" dates from 1892. It is dedicated: "To W. G. Wood Esq."

Once again in A-B-A-Codetta format, it is a rousing piece, more in the style of a Grand Chœur, although I suppose you could dance to this if you like. :-)

Despite my mention of a "French flavor" (Grand Chœur), this work is definitely English, and the concluding passages feature interplay between the Swell and Great, and give the Solo Tuba an opportunity to toot a few times.

If you would like to hear the "Cantaline in A Minor," you can find it here: https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/43915

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of W. Ralph Driffill and one of St. Mark's Church, Barnet Vale.