Sinfonia from Cantata BWV 156,

The Sinfonia from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cantata BWV 156, Ich steh' mit einem Fuß im Grabe (I stand with one foot in the grave), is a deeply expressive orchestral introduction. Composed in 1727 or 1729, this cantata was written for the Third Sunday after Epiphany and is known for its melancholic oboe solo, which Bach later adapted into his Harpsichord Concerto in F minor, BWV 1056.

This Sinfonia is a gentle yet poignant piece, featuring flowing string harmonies and a lyrical oboe melody, evoking a sense of reflection and solemnity. It beautifully sets the tone for the cantata’s themes of faith and mortality.

Anthony Galla-Rini has scored this orchestral Sinfonia for:
accordions 1-3, bass plus accordion solo