Born in Tunisia in 1952, Christian Lauba has been a prominent contemporary composer, winning many prizes since his graduation from the Conservatory of Bordeaux during the mid-1980s. Lauba is particularly noted for his compositions for the Saxophone, such as Study No. 12 for Alto Saxophone.

Published in 2007, Study No. 12, XYL Balafon 2 is highly virtuosic and modern, including multiphonic Saxophone sounds and other advanced technical features. The score of Study No. 12 also comes accompanied with a CD of a prerecorded accompanying part. With a typical performance lasting around six minutes, this Lauba study, nicknamed, XYL Balafon 2 is described as a 'a study for the mastering of circular breathing, the low and high registers, dynamic, rhythmic and melodic crescendos and decrescendos, rational and irrational note-values, chromaticism and digital virtuosity'. For all advanced Alto saxophonists, Study No. 12 provides an alternative, modern work, essential to a varied repertoire.