A Cantus Firmus (“fixed song”) is a pre-existing melody used as the structural foundation of a composition. J. S. Bach employed the technique with consummate skill in his cantatas, often placing a Lutheran chorale tune in long, sustained notes while surrounding it with richly woven polyphony.

This set includes a basic score, a comprehensive selection of interchangeable instrumental parts, and an optional part for solo voice or choir. The vocal part is also available as a free download from the website, allowing choirs to make the necessary copies easily and legally. www.CliftonEdition.com/C953

In 1989, in Oxford, a group of four bassoonist friends decided to form ‘The Equal Opportunities Bassoon Quartet’, and met regularly to rehearse. The wife of one of the players, Katherine Manville, often generously prepared a sumptuous meal for the quartet and this piece was written so that Katherine, a fine singer, could join in too! The piece was later performed by the fledgling ‘Headington Singers’ singing the vocal part in unison, accompanied ‘on the night’ by the bassoons. The piece has since been published as ‘Bach for Blonde and Bassoons’ (C596), and also, here, arranged for flexible ensemble (SP1382), therefore widening its appeal.