multiphonics explained
A technique of producing two or more pitches simultaneously on an instrument normally capable of only one note at a time
In Depth
Multiphonics on woodwind instruments are produced by special fingerings that encourage the air column to vibrate in two or more modes simultaneously. The resulting chords can be dissonant and eerie or surprisingly consonant. Brass multiphonics involve humming one pitch while playing another through the instrument. String multiphonics combine bowing with natural harmonics. These techniques were explored extensively by post-1950 composers and are now standard in contemporary music performance.
Luciano Berio's Sequenza series demands multiphonics from virtually every instrument, pushing each one far beyond its traditional capabilities.