John Alexander has produced a stylish and effective transcription for double bass quartet. There is interest in each part, the opportunity to develop ensemble skills alongside creating the evocative sound world of the early 1600s.

John Alexander writes: 'This double bass quartet version is of a fugue originally written for cello by Frescobaldi (1583-1643). I found it, some years ago, in volume III of 'Klaviermusik des 17 und 18 jahrhunderts' published in 1934 by Gebruder Hug & Co, Leipzig. Pieces by Scheidt, Froberger, Pachelbel, Eberlin, Durante and Scarlatti are included in this volume edited by Kurt Herrmann, but this one grabbed me as possibly suitable to arrange for a quartet of double bass players. In his introduction (dated November 1933), Hermann writes, "...my choice has been made especially with a view to instruction, so that the collection is dedicated primarily to young people. It brings to life for them a piece of musical history dating back to the time of the Cembalo. Experienced musicians may also find much that is unknown and yet attractive to them..."

'One of the things that intrigues me about this piece is that Frescobaldi died 42 years before J.S. Bach was born, which I guess - when you play or listen to the fugue - reveals something about the stylistic influences of the later composer. I hope you like the arrangement.'