Circular breathing

Circular breathing is a special technique utilized primarily by players of the didgeridoo (and some other wind instruments) in order to continuously blow air out of the mouth. Many jazz musicians utilize some form of circular breathing. For example, Kenny G, who held the world record for holding a single note (E) for 45 minutes and 47 seconds on his soprano saxophone.

Related Topics:
Didgeridoo - Wind instruments - Jazz - Kenny G - Soprano saxophone

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Although many professional musicians find circular breathing highly useful, virtually no piece of music requires its use. A notable exception would be "Moto Perpetuo" as transcribed by Jean-Baptiste Arban from Paganini. Trumpeters playing this piece have to have full control of their circular breathing in order to play the piece as intended.

Related Topics:
Jean-Baptiste Arban - Paganini - Trumpet

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The basic method is as follows:

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The person inhales fully and begins to blow. Once the lungs are nearly empty, the last volume of air is blown into the mouth, and the cheeks are inflated with this air. Then, while still blowing this last bit of air out by allowing the cheeks to deflate, the person must very quickly fill the lungs by inhaling through the nose prior to running out of the air in the mouth. If done correctly, by the time the air in the mouth is nearly exhausted the person can begin to exhale from the lungs once more, ready to repeat the process again. Physiologically, the process is similar to drinking at a water fountain and taking a breath of air while water remains in the mouth, without raising the head from the water stream. The body "knows" to not allow water into the lungs. It is this same instinct that a circular breather taps to play their instrument.

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