Juli Deák:
Brisk

At the core of the album lies breathing. It is not only an essential element of wind instruments but of human life itself. Through close microphone placement an…

At the core of the album lies breathing. It is not only an essential element of wind instruments but of human life itself. Through close microphone placement and the amplification of nasal breathing, the listener can almost feel the performer's presence, as if right beside them. By layering contemporary classical techniques such as overblowing, harmonics, and wind tones, the solo flute emerges in multiple voices, creating the impression of the impossible. This is complemented by the constant rhythmic clicks of the flute keys, which provide a continuous beat and pulse. Another key element is the human: the constant exploration of the performer's physical limits. By magnifying sounds that are usually hidden or even considered unwelcome in classical music—such as breathy tones, unstable sounds, pitch deviations, squeaks, and loud inhalations—Deák demonstrates an attitude that deliberately turns in the opposite direction. Just as in life, where flaws and inconsistencies are what make us captivating, Deák highlights these sounds as integral to her music. Through the physical, performative form and Deák's raw expression, she portrays the natural side of the human while still expressing the deeply lyrical, pastoral, and fairy-like personality of her instrument. The album is defined by a fusion of classical precision and technical virtuosity, the freedom of jazz, and the inventive solutions of experimental music. The title reflects the technique of circular breathing—which allows Deák to play continuously without interruptions for inhalation—as well as the organic nature of the project. Most of the pieces were recorded in spring 2025 at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Budapest, while Depict and Trace were recorded at the same location on January 2, 2026. All are single-take recordings, with no overdubbing.