This piece could be regarded as the opposite of the 'Sustain' piece. In it we are aiming for the experience of minimal activity. Although the physical experience of each person in the group is very intense, the group sound is very sparse. This piece produces dynamic clusters of sound with long spaces in between. Once again, the demands of the piece lead to an unselfconscious way of playing. When stretched to the physical limit, it is impossible to concentrate on or control the music while being so involved with breathing.

I SET the group up in the same way as for 'Sustain'. Everyone takes part together, on voice or instruments.

II TAKE a long, slow breath. Hold it for a few seconds.

III EXHALE as slowly as possible, retaining control.

IV WHEN you reach the very end of the breath (your lungs should feel completely empty), play whatever you can until forced to breathe again. On a wind instrument this means actually exhaling even further.

V STOP playing as you begin your next inward breath, and repeat the process.

CHECK

This is a physically strenuous piece. ONLY PERFORM IT FOR AS LONG AS YOU FEEL ABLE!