Sequenza XII is a composition for solo bassoon, written by Luciano Berio in 1995. It was composed for Pascal Gallois [1], who gave the premiere and uses it as a showpiece today. Sequenza XII is arguably the most difficult piece written for bassoon, calling for extended technique far beyond the range of an average bassoonist. The piece is approximately 19 minutes long, and the performer must use a technique known as circular breathing throughout the whole piece, save for a single quarter rest. The piece also explores methods of glissando on the bassoon, extremely wide tremolos, multiphonics, and alternate fingerings to create different tones on the same pitch.
