William Duncolmbe was an 18th-century English harpsichordist, organist and pianist. This piece is one of the most popular selections from his First Book of Progressive Lessons for the Harpsichord and Piano Forte, published in London ca. 1780

Minuet is the correct English spelling for the dance that was spelled menuet in France, and minuetto in Italy. This is not a fast minuet of the type that was popular during the Baroque period. It should have a rather majestic sound, in keeping with the pomp and circumstance suggested by its title.