Italian composer Luciano Berio (1925-2003) is one of the most influential contemporary music composers in the twentieth century. Among all his works, a series of compositions for solo instrument or voice named Sequenza has its significance in the western music history. The purpose of this research is to explore all the aspects of Sequenzas IXb for solo alto saxophone.

Sequenzas IXb is one of the required pieces for classical saxophone musicians to learn. Along with Sequenza VII for solo soprano saxophone, they are frequently performed and researched in various saxophone concerts, conferences, competitions, and other scenarios. In the process of learning Sequenzas IXb, it is necessary for saxophonists to use certain advanced techniques such as circular breathing, altissimo, multiphonics as well as precise control of extreme dynamics level because of the nature of unaccompanied music. In addition, musicians would enhance their abilities of endurance and creation of atmosphere by performing this type of music.

Sequenzas IXb was originally composed for clarinet, it was later transcribed for alto saxophone. Due to the late establishment of saxophone tradition in Taiwan, hopefully this research will provide significant academic contribution to strength and nurture this tradition.