How to Play Multiphonics On Your Instrument

With Six Multiphonics Pieces Op 12

Multiphonics (also called Polyphonics) is an interesting almost unheard of method of playing the musical line while at the same time ‘accompanying’ oneself by vocally humming or ‘nasalising’ a second part.

Very easy and effective on some instruments – such as the Recorder, Flute, Clarinet, French Horn and Trombone.

Less so on the Saxophone, and Trumpet.

Very difficult on the Oboe and Bassoon.

In general it is the overall effect that is required, rather than the exact, specific notes. The player may be a man or woman, with differing vocal ranges. In my own compositions I allow for this by having the performer choose either the upper or the lower line, or transposing the octave – it is the overall multiphonic effect that is sought for, rather than the exact written notes.

An extreme example is my Variations on a Theme of Paganini for Unaccompanied French Horn. Very difficult, very effective.

The ‘technique’ is actually very easy indeed, but as it is so unusual it has a high concert impact. Leaving the audience – but not the performer! – gasping.

This textbook goes into the subject in quite some detail, with many musical examples. It also contains the specially written Six Multiphonic Pieces Op 12, originally written for the Recorder, but playable on a wide range of instruments.

It comes as a PDF document with embedded mp3 audio files, available through PayPal at £5.00.

Detailed instructions
Numerous examples
With both easy and virtuoso Concert Pieces

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The Music of John Roberts-James

How to Play Multiphonics On Your Instrument

With Six Multiphonics Pieces Op 12

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