Circular Breathing Article

[_Don Herman]

The latest Brass Tacks issue has an article on what, why, when, and how of circular breathing:

http://www.musicforbrass.com/brstacks/vol21/vol21a.html

The "straw in the glass of water" training technique I favored when I learned it long ago (I've since totally forgotten how, so don't ask me!) is also discussed. It taught me to circular breath water.
_________________
Don Herman/Monument, CO
"After silence, that which best expresses the inexpressible, is music." - Aldous Huxley

[_bugleboy]

The actual technique is pretty easy to learn. Making it seamless is more difficult. But what I want are some tips on how to tongue and circular breathe, specifically double tongue, a la Rafael on Moto Perpetuo. I haven't found any websites (books or anything) on that yet.

Many people still believe it's impossible but Rafael did it.

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Charles Raymond

[ This Message was edited by: bugleboy on 2002-05-16 11:36 ]

[Strawdoggy]

This is an interesting topic.

I learned to do it in the shower. - Open your mouth and take in a mouthful of water. Breathe in through the nose and blow the water out at the same time. It is a little different than actually blowing air through the instrument, but it helped to get the technique in my head. The straw idea sounds pretty neat. Probably a better idea. I will check it out the next time I go to Wendy's!

I can circular breathe fine on long notes and slow slurred notes (anything faster than eighth notes at about mm132). I get a tiny "break" when I venture above a G (top of staff), or at anything faster than the aforementioned tempo. Don't use it that much, but it is nice to know it is there if I forget to take the breath that I should have.

Anyone out there have any tips to help me improve this?

Steve