I am lucky enough to play in the amazing Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. We have fortunately been recording performances throughout the pandemic for broadcast, leaving us with at least a semblance of normalcy. Last week we recorded Beethoven 4, which I got to play.
It provided multiple juicy places to circular breathe in, not the least of which was the first note. It’s not an exceptionally long note, but be that as it may, holding to its full value is much more enjoyable if you can breathe while playing, keeping your lungs full throughout the note’s value. I think I breathed 4-5 times during the Bb. The first breath came right in the first bar! I think one of the reasons I love circular breathe in touchy situations like this is the state of relaxation you need to have, relatively, in your embouchure to accomplish it affectively. That relaxation allows a freedom and suppleness to my tone. It takes time to build up that type of control, but the result is well worth the effort. I’m the only one I know who would begin the symphony, knowing there is a big, long, scary note coming, and not inhale before starting to play. Why? Because almost immediately after beginning to play, I breathe. And then breathe again. And again.
The slow movement solo obviously is the highlight of the piece musically. It is a long, lyrical solo which could be potentially broken up, or not, at multiple places for breathing. I certainly did not just play the solo straight through without a break. Although that would certainly be possible, that would be musical madness! The music of course needs to breathe. But let me make clear what circular breathing does for me. Too often long phrases have the problem musically of either a long musical line with collapsing lungs and stress, or fuller lungs and a musical line that is broken up too often from breaths. If I began the solo with lungs that were say 75% full of air, at NO time during the solo would I let my lung capacity drop below 50%. I would fill back up to 75% multiple times. Not having that crutch as an element of my playing is AMAZINGLY liberating as you may well understand. I wish for you can have that experience too. I know you will think I'm completely nuts, but I think I breathed near the tale end of EACH note in the slow movement solo! I didn’t keep count, but maybe somewhere around 15 times or so in the first half solo. Nuts right? Totally possible while still maintaining a beautiful musical line (with a little practice).
Cheers!