Johann Sebastian Bach

This is the first in a series of 15 famous little finger exercises by J.s. Bach. This arrangement of the invention no. 1 in C Major begins with the Oboe playing a generally upward-lifting melody that seldom pauses, while the Bassoon provides a steady but obviously simpler accompanimental melody in the bass. Near the end, however, Bach writes a brief call and response passage, with the the two woodwinds gently tossing back and forth the half-bar motif that pervades this entire invention, before joining forces again for the final measures.

Although originally written for keyboard, I created this arrangement for Woodwind Duet (Oboe and Bassoon).