Aria on a Bach Prelude - [Johann Sebastian Bach] / arr. Frank Erickson

Based on the first prelude of J. S. Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, this "Aria" incorporates a newly written melody in the upper instruments over Bach's original arpeggiated accompaniment. Long sustained notes make this piece an excellent study in smooth and lyric playing and its simple harmonic construction makes it easy to prepare. Originally written in the key of C, this version has been changed to B-flat to help the piece become more accessible to the maturing concert band.