This is one of a series of works using instrumentation similar to that of Beethoven's Septet and Schubert's Octet.
In the first minutes of this piece, the strings exhibit a sense of urgency which is not shared by the bassoon. Maybe it wants to play peacemaker, or just to tell everyone to relax; it refuses to be riled and finally persuades the strings to join a central calmo section. After the strings have settled down, though, the bassoon launches into a playful scherzo in which everyone participates. At the end, the bassoon's solo can be interpreted any way you like.