This piece was written in 2018 for a consortium led by Jacob Goforth. The piece exists in versions for electric bassoon, bass clarinet (in two ranges), bari sax, tenor sax, and cello. For detailed information about this piece, see Ethan Lippert's Doctoral Thesis. The piece can be obtained from the composer's website.
This piece was written specifically for Boss stompboxes, namely the Super OverDrive SD-1, Distortion DS-1, Dynamic Wah AW-3, Harmonist PS-6, Digital Delay DD-3, and Super Chorus CH-1 (the reverb is not specified). The instructions indicate the exact position for each of the knobs on each pedal. By consulting the owner's manual for each pedal, these effects can be replicated with other pedal models. This is a piece that may be easier to perform with stompboxes than a multieffects due to the modular use of the effects. It still can be done with a multieffects pedal, it just might require many presets depending on the pedal.
The setup for this piece is shown below.
This piece has some technical difficulties, mostly in long strings of low notes with little break. The left thumb will get a workout on this piece. There are some syncopated rhythms, but once the performer feels the groove, it isn't very difficult. The electronics are perhaps more difficult in this piece. While there are six effects at play, there are three that are toggling on and off frequently, especially towards the beginning of the piece. This may not be the best candidate for a first piece with effects pedals, but it also is not too difficult if the performer is comfortable with triggering effects frequently.
This piece is a good mixture of distorted bassoon sounds with moments of smooth delays. The piece is very accessible and would likely be enjoyed by most audiences.
©2026 by Benjamin Bradshaw
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