Patterns for solo bassoon (Tatiana Stankovych) DIGITAL

Four movements each around 1-2 minutes at an intermediate level.

This is a four-movement work with folklorist inspiration depicting different elements from Ukrainian culture through one main musical idea and character for each. The work was written in collaboration for bassoonist and musicologist, Zachary Senick to create an unaccompanied bassoon piece that is Ukrainian inspired at an intermediate level that can

be a nice addition to any recital program or a piece for a developing bassoonist to improve their skills. It effortlessly contrasts between lyricism and humoresque to showcase the different sides of the bassoon. Technically, the work is written at an intermediate level featuring the bass, middle, and tenor registers that only ascend to an A4 in

the climax of the third movement. In terms of rhythm the work only subdivides down to sixteenth notes with occasional moments of syncopation, primarily achieved through articulation. The work brings in folk elements through using

moments from Ukrainian folk scales and vocal motifs, such as perfect fourth and fifth intervals combined with dynamic hairpins in order to create a vocal-like quality to the line.

I: Pattern from Embroidery (Візерунок з вишиванки) features a passage of eighth notes built on a low note bass on the beat, which is responded to by sequential notes in the tenor register. This climaxes into a passage where the bass line is moved into the tenor register to create a smooth and legato line that weaves around.

II: Ukrainian Pattern (Український візерунок) opens with a lyrical half note cantus-firmus that is expanded into a syncopated and dance-like melody utilizing a variety of accents, staccatos, and slurs. This gets contrasted with lyrical phrases that embellish the cantus-firmus.

III: Pattern on Easter (Візерунок на Великдень) is in Ternary form. It begins with a lyrical and vocal-like line consisting of quarter and half notes, like a singer singing a church hymn. This leads into a “più mosso” that is an eighth note embellishment of the theme, which adds in various passing tones.

IV: Sunflower Pattern (Візерунок соняшник) contrasts fiery and technical passages of sixteenth notes with humoresque and staccato eighth note passages. This creates a musical depiction of a beautiful sunflower in a field on a hot summer day.