Circular breathing

Although many professional wind players find circular breathing highly useful, few pieces of European orchestral music composed before the 20th century actually require its use.

In 1997, a Guinness World Record was set for the longest held musical note when Kenny G used circular breathing to sustain an E-flat on a saxophone for 45 minutes and 47 seconds.

If done correctly, by the time the air in the mouth is nearly exhausted the musician can begin to exhale from the lungs once more, ready to repeat the process again.

This technique may be practiced by holding a finger in front of a thin air stream out of the lips and listening to the wind sound.

Professional zurna groups may play non-stop for as long as the party lasts, and a drone tone may be held for the whole evening.

A group of davul and zurna players. The zurna is played using circular breathing.
Saxophonist performing Caprice No.5 , by Niccolò Paganini, using the circular breathing technique.
A man playing the didgeridoo