Circular breathing
DEFINITION
The technique of breathing in wind instruments to create a continuous sound. The effect is created by the performer's ability to fill the mouth with air and slowly push the air from the mouth through the mouthpiece while breathing though the nose. This technique takes considerable practice and is rarely used. There are also virtually no compositions that require the technique. It is typically used as a way to display a high level of skill by the professional musicians and virtuosos that have successfully mastered the technique. See also breathing.