Description
"Sonata Sopra ‘La Monica’ is one of the first pieces ever written for the bassoon. As such it can be seen as the first heartbeat of the instrument and its solo potential, thus making it essential for this heart-inspired album. It is also the first piece where I incorporated electronics into my performance, in this case a so-called loop station. The piece consists of variations, and I used the loop station to record the baseline, allowing me to play the variations on top. This technique enabled me to accompany myself and add polyphony to a bassoon solo program.
The piece is based on the popular Italian melody Madre, non mi far monaca (Mother, do not make me a nun), which dates back to the 15th century. The melody used in Böddecker’s composition remains quite similar to it. It was widely adapted by many composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach, and became known in Germany as a more religious piece named, Von Gott will ich nicht lassen (I will not let go of God). Böddecker’s composition features this melody in four variations, showcasing the virtuosity of the bassoon."
— Thomas Dulfer
