The early American hymn tune FOUNDATION is best known for its use in How Firm a Foundation, first appearing in 1787. This arrangement leverages the cello ensemble sound to create an energetic and percussive interpretation in three sections.

The introduction and first verse feature a contrapuntal texture over a syncopated bass ostinato. The cello IV part takes over the melody in the bass line for a second verse in the same style.

The middle section features two statements of the melody in canon. The first canon is at the measure and in octaves, with each bowed part doubled in pizzicato with harmonic variations to enhance the percussive texture. The second canon is in four parts at the measure, with the first two parts in the upper octave and the second two parts in the lower octave.

In the final section, the Cello I part breaks into a third, upper octave of the melody for the first time as the other three parts come together to play a modified version of the SATB harmony, repeated twice.