Air with Variations

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.

"Air with Variations" is a fine and demanding concert work. It is: "M. Th. Salomé" and edited by William T. Best.

Théodore-César Salomé (20 January 1834 – 26 July 1896) was born in Paris. He was highly regarded, and served as "Choir Organist" at La Trinité in Paris for many
years.

This work consists of a very attractive theme and five variations. I'm not sure whether the theme is an original one, or if it is an actual melody. It has a Basque-like quality to it, and the nature of the theme seems very "Spanish" to me. The theme is indicated: "In modo popolare".

Driffield does a superb job with his variations. All are relatively brief and skillfully composed. The third and fifth variations are difficult, and the finale requires a "quick left foot" in one particularly hard ascending passage. :-)

I'm not certain, but I believe that the famous English concert organist, George Thalben- Ball, played this work.

I've already uploaded Driffield's "Twelve Melodious Pieces," but these variations are much more sophisticated in conception and in the execution required.

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

Also attached is a photo of Christ Church, Claughton, Birkenhead, where Driffield was organist, two photos of his grave in Merseyside, as well as a photo of the dedicatee, Théodore Salomé, and one of L'Eglise de laTrinité in Paris, where he served.

I'm considering doing some more of Driffield's works over the next few weeks. :-)