We believe that we know everything about the instruments which we use daily. But since a certain time the most adventurous instrumentalists have been striving to broaden the possibilities which are in their hands. This is particularly true of the woodwind family whose technique has become richer due to exchanges between composers and instrumentalists. Of course, in the majority of cases, the composer certainly has imagination, but not practical use of most of the instruments. The dialogue has proved therefore to be of utmost importance, as one can see in this book between Pascal Gallois and Luciano Berio. Beginning with very general considerations, the author of this treatise has investigated the most recent techniques, from multiphonics to circular respiration, and has systematized their use. This work will enrich the potential available to the composer, will allow him to express himself in a richer and more contrasted manner, and will place his work simultaneously in the evolution of language and the enrichment of sound.

Pierre Boulez