Howard J. Buss - Flute with one other instrument, voice, or electronic recording

 
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Flute or piccolo with one other instrument, or voice, or electronic recording
Works listed in alphabetical order, durations in parenthesis:

Flute and electronic recording

Flute or piccolo and piano

Two flutes

Flute and guitar

Flute or piccolo and harp

Flute and voice

Flute and clarinet, or sax

Flute and oboe or bassoon

Flute or piccolo and trumpet, or horn, or trombone         

Flute and percussion


Grading Scale: I-II. Easy; III-IV. Intermediate; V-VI Advanced


Flute and Electronic Recording:

Alien Loop de Loops_flute ALIEN LOOP DE LOOPS for flute and electronic recording by Howard is a fantasy piece that appeals to a wide range of audiences. The title refers to both programmatic and technical elements in the work. During the opening section the flutist plays unaccompanied, but then is joined by the recording, which contains sounds generated by traditional instruments as well as an "alien" voice, the spacecraft, and various electronic effects. Technically, the title refers to how the recording was made. It consists of numerous sound loops combined to form an imaginative sonic tapestry.
(6’47”)  Grade IV-V. Score sample: Excerpt.pdf

Sound samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3; Excerpt 4.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press


Flute or piccolo and piano:    (Top of Page)


CHUTZPAH! (2008) (pronounced “hoots’-pa”) for piccolo & piano by Howard Buss is dedicated to flutist/piccoloist Dr. John Bailey. This energetic work is flamboyant and at times audacious. The music is characterized by exciting contrasts, zesty rhythms, and passages featuring elaborate and dashing technical prowess. Chutzpah! received its premier by Dr. Bailey and pianist Robert Fountain in 2008. Finalist in the 2010 Newly-Published Competition of the NFA. (5'40")  
Grade V. Score sample: Excerpt.pdf - YouTube Video

 Sound samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3, Excerpt 3.mp3; Excerpt 4.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



DRAGON FLIGHT (2009) for flute & piano by Howard J. Buss evokes a fantasy world in which a dragon awakens and takes flight. It was written for flutist Marianne Gedigian. Finalist in the 2012 Newly-Published Music Contest of the NFA (6'20") Grade V.
Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3, Excerpt 2.mp3

Recorded on the CD Flute & Piano - La Bottega Discantica (Milan, Italy) BDI 237 by Elena Cecconi, flauto and Federico Brunello, piano. Score: Sample.png

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



FANTASIE (2006) for flute & piano by Howard J. Buss was composed for Amy Porter and is in two interconnected movements. The first begins with a mysterious monologue by the flutist with brilliant arabesque passages contrasted with subtle shadings of tone through the use of delicate dynamic nuances, tremolos, and flutter tonguing. The second is moody, turbulent, and features a dance-like section. The work ends with a rousing finale as the Latin-infused dance returns.
(11’) Grade V-VI.
Sound samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3; Excerpt 4.mp3; Excerpt 5.mp3

Fantasie
is recorded on the CD Fantaisie by DUX Records of Warsaw Poland, performed by Agata Igras-Sawicka, flute, and Mariusz Rutkowski, piano. (DUX 0658) Score sample: Excerpt.pdf

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



Flute Pizzazz_Buss_coverFLUTE PIZZAZZ (2017) for flute and piano by Howard J. Buss is dedicated to Nora Lee Garcia. This work is divided into 2 main parts. The first juxtaposes tender and forceful passages creating a moody sonic tapestry. The second part is in A-B-A form. Dance-like sections are separated by a developmental segment reminiscent of the atmosphere of the first part of the composition. Flute Pizzazz incorporates colorful effects such as jet whistles, tongue pizzicato, and flutter tonguing. (6’30”) Grade V.
Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3, Excerpt 2.mp3, Excerpt 3.mp3 - Score: sample.pdf

View on YouTube

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



Moon Glow coverMOON GLOW(2015) for flute and piano by Howard J. Buss. Contrasting sections encapsulate varied moods suggested by moon glow on different surfaces: snow, water, and the eyes of a person gazing at the sky. At times the moonlight is bright and clear, and sometimes it is muted as if being veiled by passing clouds. It is dedicated to flutist Elena Cecconi who recorded it on Sognado lo Spazio, Urania Records, CD available from the composer. (5’) Grade IV-V.

Sound samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3 - Score sample: Opening.jpeg

Music available from Cimarron Music Press


 
SEASIDE REFLECTIONS (1993) for flute & piano by Howard J. Buss captures the serenity of musing by the sea. In the preface to the score is printed the following poem by the composer. It may be narrated before the performance and/or printed in the program notes:“On the shore of eternity swirling currents of liquid chaos gather for and disperse as foam. As rock wears to sand all dissonance transforms to serenity. Time presses no longer.” Grade III. (7’50")
Sound samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press




Vibrant Horizons coverVIBRANT HORIZONS for flute and piano by Howard J. Buss was composed for flutist Dr. Brian Luce is in 3 movements: New Beginnings has an optimistic character, and the spirited thrust of the music projects movement in a hopeful and positive direction. The contemplative second movement, Old Thoughts, juxtaposes beautiful, atmospheric sections with brooding passages, as if to suggest a tension between desirable elements of the past with those that prompted the individual to seek new horizons. Circles, addresses that once one is settled into a new situation, routines develop. When viewed over time these routines often resemble circular patterns. (17’30”) Grade V.
Sound Samples: Movement 1: 1.mp3, 2.mp3, 3.mp3; Movement 2: 1.mp3, 2.mp3;

Movement 3, 1.mp3, 2.mp3, 3.mp3 - Score sample pdfs: Movement: 1, 2, 3

This work is also published in a version for
Flute and Wind Ensemble

             2020 Finalist-Honorable Mention for The American Prize   American Prize logo

Music available from Cimarron Music Press


    
WAVE TRAIN (1990) for flute and piano by Howard J. Buss. The interaction of the lyrical melodies in this is reminiscent of the patterns created by intermingling waves on the surface of water. The flute and marimba version of this work is recorded on the CD "Premiers Plus One" by the McCormick Duo, available from HoneyRock.
(6’15”) Grade IV-V.

Music available from Cimarron Music Press


Two flutes:     (Top of Page)


TIME CAPSULE for flute & alto flute (or two C flutes) by Howard J. Buss is in 4 movements: Daybreak has a frolicking and optimistic character. Chorale breaks with the traditional structure of the chorale in that each phrase gets a measure longer. Rendezvous, is in a lilting 6/8 and "works up a lather" as it progresses to an exciting climax. Homeward Bound begins with a fanfare-like passage that gives way to a spirited dance. (7’) Grade IV-V.

Music available from Cimarron Music Press


Flute and guitar:         (Top of Page)

    
WAVE TRAIN (1990) by Howard J. Buss for flute & marimba. The interaction of the lyrical melodies in this work is reminiscent of the patterns created by intermingling waves on the surface of water. It is recorded on the CD "Premiers Plus One" by the McCormick Duo, available from HoneyRock. (6’15”) Grade IV-V.
version Sound Samples #1.mp3; #2.mp3

View on YouTube

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



Flute or piccolo and harp:          (Top of Page)


ALPINE SPRING (2008) for flute & harp by Howard J. Buss. Its Italian subtitle, Riflessi sul lago alpino, translates as “Alpine Lake Reflections” and is suggestive of the glorious awakening of Spring in the region south of the Dolomite Mountains in Italy. As one listens to this music it is easy to imagine the glistening reflections of the dramatic mountain peaks and vibrant green spring foliage in the lake. Alpine Spring received its world premier in 2008 in Piacenza, Italy by Elena Cecconi, flute and Paola Devoti, harp. They recorded it on the CD Flauto e arpa on the Bottega Discantica (Italy) label BDI 187.
(11'30") Grade V-VI.
Score Samples: Excerpt 1.pdf, Excerpt 2.pdf , Excerpt 3.pdf

Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3; Excerpt 4.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



INNER QUEST (2011) for flute & harp by Howard J. Buss, written for the Italian duo of Elena Cecconi, flute, and Paola Devoti, harp, captures a wide range of emotions. The character and musical development is analogous to the train of thoughts and feelings one may experience during a spell of internal dialog.
(7') Grade V-VI.  Score sample: Excerpt.pdf

Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press


     
SEASIDE REFLECTIONS (1993) for flute & harp by Howard J. Buss captures the serenity of musing by the sea. The following poem by the composer may be narrated before the performance and/or printed in the program notes:“On the shore of eternity swirling currents of liquid chaos gather for and disperse as foam. As rock wears to sand all dissonance transforms to serenity. Time presses no longer.”
Grade III. (7’50") Sound samples: Excerpt 1.mp3, Excerpt 2.mp3

Score Sample:Flute & harp.pdf

Music available from Cimarron Music Press


Flute and voice (including narrator):     (Top of Page)


THE ASPHALT BLANKET (1995) for narrator & alto flute (or C flute) by Howard J. Buss, the fifth movement of the composition Modern Times, is reflective and laments what is lost in the name of progress in the modern world. Recorded on the Capstone Records CD Howard J. Buss: Modern Times, available from the composer.
(3’10") Grade V. Sound Sample.mp3

Video on YouTube

Music available from Cimarron Music Press




Flute and clarinet, Flute and sax:   (Top of Page)


TIME CAPSULE (1996) for flute & clarinet by Howard J. Buss is a sonatina in 4 movements: Daybreak has a frolicking and optimistic character. Chorale breaks with the traditional structure of the chorale in that each phrase gets a measure longer. Rendezvous, is in a lilting 6/8 and "works up a lather" as it progresses to an exciting climax. Homeward Bound begins with a fanfare-like passage that gives way to a spirited dance.
(7’) Grade IV-V.
Sound samples: Movement 1.mp3; Movement 2.mp3;

Movement 3.mp3; Movement 4.mp3 - View on YouTube

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



Flute and oboe, Flute and bassoon:     (Top of Page)

SUITE AMICI for flute/alto flute and oboe/English horn was composed for Amici Musicale of the University of South Florida in Tampa: Drs. Francesca Arnone, flutes; and Amy Collins, oboe/English horn. The five movements are Prelude; First Encounter; Romance; Second Encounter; and Reverie, Third Encounter. (12')
Grade V-VI. Score sample: Excerpts.pdf

Sound samples: Movement_1.mp3; Movement_2.mp3;

Movement_3.mp3; Movement_4.mp3; Movement_5.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



WIND SONGS (2005) for flute/alto flute and oboe/English horn by Howard J. Buss is in three movements: Zephyrs. Whispers Amid the Pines, and Harbinger of the Storm. (8’15”) Grade V.
Score samples: Mvt. 1 “Zephyrs”.pdf; Mvt. 2 “Whispers Amid the Pines”.pdf

Mvt. 3 “Harbinger of the Storm”.pdf

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



Flute or piccolo and trumpet, Flute and horn, Flute and trombone:  (Top of Page)


DIVERSIONS for flute and trombone by Howard J. Buss, in 4 movements: First Impressions is a friendly musical conversation reflecting the ebb and flow of ideas that two people may exchange and develop when meeting the first time. The Challenge begins with a flute cadenza that highlights  the agility the instrument with rapid tonguing, quick dashes of sound, and trills. When the trombonist enters and demonstrates to the surprised flutist the ability to execute similar passages also with agility and finesse, it becomes apparent that a challenge has been issued. For the rest of the movement the players try to impress one another with their individual technical prowess. By Starlight has a romantic atmosphere: The lyricism is  woven into a predominately consonant harmonic tapestry that at times melts into poignant dissonance. The freewheeling finale, Carnival, is bright and exuberant.
(12’30”) Grade V-VI.  YouTube video
Score samples (pdfs) - movement: 1,  1A,  2,  3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



TIME CAPSULE (1996) for flute and trumpet by Howard J. Buss is a sonatina in 4 movements: Daybreak has a frolicking and optimistic character. Chorale breaks with the traditional structure of the chorale in that each phrase gets a measure longer. Rendezvous, is in a lilting 6/8 and "works up a lather" as it progresses to an exciting climax. Homeward Bound begins with a fanfare-like passage that gives way to a spirited dance.
(7’) Grade IV-V.

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



Flute and percussion: 

  (Top of Page)          


Kaleidoscope coverKALEIDOSCOPE (1988, renotated 2021) for flute & one percussion by Howard J. Buss. In this colorful “theme” and variations, the theme is a distinctive rhythmic pattern which is varied in a manner similar to the transformation of images as seen through a kaleidoscope. Both performers have an equally important role in presenting the musical material. The instrumentation includes marimba, bells, suspended cymbals, temple blocks, bell tree, and tambourine. (8’20) Grade V-VI. Score sample.pdf

Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press


  
SCENES FROM THE HOLY LAND (2002) for flute and one percussion by Howard J. Buss was inspired by the composer’s trips to the Middle East. It is in five colorful movements:
I. Masada  (3:05)  Sound sample, movement 1.mp3, Score: sample.pdf

II. Storm on Mount Sinai (3:10)  Sound sample, movement 2.mp3, Score: sample.pdf

III. The Flock by the Sea of Galilee (2:25) Sound sample, movement 3.mp3, Score: sample.pdf

IV. Jordan Valley Enchantment (2:30) Sound sample, movement 4.mp3, Score: sample.pdf

V. The Road to Jerusalem (4:20) Sound sample, movement 5.mp3, Score: sample.pdf

Video on YouTube

This work was commissioned for the 30th Anniversary of the N.F.A. Percussion instruments: Marimba, suspended cymbal, tambourine, bongos, wood block, wind chimes, and agogo bells. (15'30") Grade V.  
“The opening section of Masada presents angular solos against percussion accents, with ascending legato passages for the flute. The music turns more florid and Middle-Eastern in style before a peaceful coda. Storm on Mount Sinai offers sharply rhythmic music accented with tambourine and a more febrile bazaar-like flute writing. The Flock by the Sea of Galilee contains an oddly memorable five-note percussion motif under a lovely bucolic flute theme. The Road to Jerusalem makes a haunting finale with elaborate passages against pulsating percussion. Scenes from the Holy Land is an effective and colorful work with deftly varied music and tackled by the musicians with skill and understated virtuosity Buss’ intimate style requires. It makes its effects with point and economy and would be a boon to flute and percussion duos searching for program material.” - The Gramophone, April 2005. Recorded on the Capstone Records CD Howard J. Buss: Modern Times, available from the composer.

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



SKY BLOSSOMS (1998) for flute & one percussion by Howard J. Buss is a dramatic work during which both performers for recite the text during performance. Mystical and lyrical sections contrast with intense and explosive passages. The instrumentation includes vibes, bells, roto toms, bass drum, tambourine, cowbell, cymbals, wind chimes, bell tree, tam-tam, temple blocks, maracas and a lion roar. Commissioned for and premiered by Connie and Brandie Lane. (7’30”) Grade V-VI.
score sample.pdf;  performance notes.pdf

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



STELLAR VISIONS (2005) for flute & marimba by Howard J. Buss. This engaging work juxtaposes mystical, lyrical, and energetic sections in a manner analogous to the ebb and flow of emotions experienced by the composer during meditation on the awesome grandeur of a starry night. From quiet murmurings to intense and brilliant forte passages, the music showcases the great expressive range of the flute and marimba duo.

(8'04") Grade V.  Sound Sample#1.mp3; Sound Sample#2.mp3
Recorded on the CD McDuo Works for Flute and Percussion by the McCormick Duo.
Score sample: Excerpt.pdf

Music available from Cimarron Music Press


    
WAVE TRAIN (1990) for flute & marimba by Howard J. Buss. The interaction of the lyrical melodies in this beautiful and often performed work is reminiscent of the patterns created by intermingling waves on the surface of water. Recorded on the CD "Premiers Plus One" by the McCormick Duo, available from HoneyRock. (6’15”) Grade IV-V.
Sound Samples #1.mp3; #2.mp3 - View on YouTube

Music available from Cimarron Music Press


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Howard J. Buss, Composer       

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