In his Sequenza series, Berio utilizes the full range of an instrument and its player by setting high technical demands, thus giving each instrument its own unique musical language. "Luciano Berio's Sequenzas, a cycle of solo pieces for various instruments, are among the most important examples of this genre in the 20th century. Berio pushes both performer and instrument to the limits of playability, thereby opening up entirely new musical dimensions. It is a great honor for me that Maestro Berio wrote Sequenza XIV for me. He was also partly inspired by his interest in the musical instruments of my homeland, Sri Lanka, especially the Kandyan drum, which I myself have played since childhood."