For pianist.

Breathe uses a simple psychological phenomenon (namely, the fight-or-flight response to holding one’s breath for a long time) as a subconscious guideline for improvisation. Specifically, this phenomenon creates more genuine self expression in the same way that a person’s last words before dying are often more genuine. The effect of holding one’s breath on the resulting performance is intentionally open to influence by many factors, including performance anxiety, which is made into an interest and maybe even a strength, as well as practice, which is to be avoided. This psychological phenomenon also simulates the “tortured artist” as the performer’s artistic complexity increases and well-being decreases.

Additionally, audience members are encouraged to question the social norms of music concerts at the beginning of this piece when they see a stage manager (who turns out to be the performer) suddenly begin to hyperventilate, e.g. should they help the stage manager or remain seated?