Flute in Chamber Music Trios by Howard J. Buss

Compositions and Arrangements
Grading Scale:
I-II: Easy
III-IV: Intermediate
V-VI: Advanced
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Flute in chamber music - trios
Works are listed in alphabetical order, durations are in parenthesis:

AWAKENING for alto flute, guitar & string bass is strongly influenced by the jewish Klezmer idiom. The music moves from a mystical, contemplative opening to an energetic finale. The rich, velvety color of the alto flute lends itself to the spiritual nature of the music. Color is added to the ensemble with the use of wind chimes, finger cymbals, and finger rolls on the body of the string bass. This work is a memorable addition to any recital, and because of its spiritual nature, makes an appropriate musical offering in a house of worship. (7’) Grade IV.
Score sample
(score in C): Opening.pdf

Music available from Cimarron Music Press 



Constellations  coverCONSTELLATIONS for flute, piano, and percussion (1 or 2 players) is inspired by the awesome grandeur and beauty of the cosmos. The forward thrust, narrative quality, and colorful ambience of the music suggest the musicians are on a wondrous journey exploring a series of varied and colorful star systems. The juxtaposition of agitated chromatic passages and tonal, focused sections is analogous to the experience of viewing up-close, seemingly chaotic space "debris" (dust, rocks, gas, etc.) as contrasted with the beauty and exquisite organization of star systems viewed from afar. (13’15”) Grade V.
YouTube performance - Score sample.pdf

Music available from Cimarron Music Press 



FANTASIA (1988) for flute, clarinet & piano moves gradually from the contemplative opening to an intense and driving finish. "The writing is fresh, and the music is full of vitality and vivid imagination. A fabulous sonic journey.” - The Atlanta Constitution. (7’30”)
YouTube Video
Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press 



GLACIAL VISTAS (2013) for flute, clarinet & one percussion was inspired by Glacier National Park in Montana. The 3 movements, Dawn, On the Trail, and In the Realm of Twin Falls, capture the awe-inspiring grandeur and beauty of the rugged landscape. Glacial Vistas is dedicated to flutist John Bailey. It was premiered in 2013 at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln by him; Diane Barger, clarinet; and Anthony Falcone, percussion.
(15’15”) Grade V-VI. Score samples: Movement 1.pdf; Movement 2.pdf; Movement 3.pdf

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

Movement 3 Excerpt 2.mp3

Video on YouTube


Music available from Cimarron Music Press 



NIGHT FLIGHT (1999) for piccolo, clarinet & piano provides contrasts between lyrical and technical sections.The work was commissioned for the 1999 National Flute Association Convention and was premiered at the event by Rebecca Arrenson, piccolo; Robert Price, clarinet; and Paula Peace, piano.
(9’) Grade V-VI.
Recorded by Lois Herbine, piccolo; Allison Herz, clarinet; and Charles Abramovic, piano on the "Take Wing", available at http://www.crystalrecords.com/flute.html#CD713.
Sound samples: Sample#1.mp3; Sample#2.mp3; Sample#3.mp3

Video on YouTube

Music available from Cimarron Music Press 



REMEMBRANCES (2000) for flute, cello & piano is a lyrical work written following the death of the composer's 97-year-old grandmother. Rather than being a somber memorial or musical epitaph, this charming, melodious composition is a celebration of life. The character of the opening section is contemplative. Gradually the music becomes more animated and Remembrances finishes in a spirit of buoyant optimism.
(8’) Grade V.
Score sample: Excerpt.pdf

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

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



ROMANCE AND CAPRICE (2004) for flute/piccolo, alto flute and piano. The hauntingly beautiful first movement is followed by a dramatic “tour de force” . (9’40”) Grade V-VI. Video on YouTube

Sound samples:   Movement 1.mp3; Movement 2.mp3

Score samples: Movement 1.pdf; Movement 2.pdf


Music available from Cimarron Music Press 

SAINT FRANCIS AND THE ANIMALS (2013) for flute, clarinet, and harp is a tribute to St. Francis of Assisi, is in 2 movements, The Birds, and The Wolf. This work musically portrays two of the many well-known stories of how Saint Francis communicated with animals. Saint Francis and the Animals was commissioned by Dr. Kathleen Jones for ClarinetFest 2013 in Assisi, Italy. (11’30”) Grade V.
Score samples: Movement 1.pdf; Movement 2.pdf

Sound Samples: Movement I: excerpt 1.mp3; excerpt 2.mp3;

Movement II: excerpt 1.mp3; excerpt 2.mp3; excerpt 3.mp3 - YouTube: I. The Birds and II. The Wolf

Music available from Cimarron Music Press 


TENNESSEE SUITE (2001) for flute, viola & piano is based on the composer’s visit to the Smoky Mountains, in 4 movements: Mystic Dawn, Treetop Capers, Cades Cove and The Trail to Abrams Falls. Written for Dr. Shelley Binder.
(13’) Grade V. Score samples: 1.pdf;  2.pdf;  3.pdf;  4.pdf

Sound Samples: Movement 1.mp3; Movement 2.mp3; Movement 3.mp3; and

Movement 4.mp3

Video on YouTube

Music available from Cimarron Music Press 



TURBULENT TIMES for flute, oboe & bassoon was composed during 2009, a time when The Great Recession held its powerful grip much of the world, and uncertainty continued to build within American society.  There was a general sense that the prosperity of the past may never return, and that the future may bring even more hardships. As the seemingly endless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan wore on, many did not expect peace to return in the foreseeable future. Yet, life went on. The music suggests the ebb and flow of the intense uncertainty felt by many with the more pleasant aspects of everyday life. (11’) Grade V.
Score Sample.pdf

Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3; Excerpt 4.mp3
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Music available from Cimarron Music Press 

TWO CAPRICES (2007) for flute, oboe & marimba is in two movements. Evocation moves from a mysterious opening to a beautiful extended section in a pensive mood. Romp features lyricism and spirited rhythms with a Latin flare. It was composed for Drs. Amy Collins, oboe; Kim McCormick, flute; and Robert McCormick, marimba and was premiered by them at the 2007 IDRS Conference.
(10'30") Grade V-VI. YouTube video

Score samples: Movement 1.pdf ; Movement 2.pdf

Sound Samples: Movement 1, Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3;

Movement 2, Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3


Music available from Cimarron Music Press 

Howard J. Buss, Composer       

Search by Instrumentation


Index of Flute Publications:
(Click on an instrumentation link, works are in alphabetical order within each category.)

Solo flute - unaccompanied

Flute with one other instrument, or voice, or electronic recording (includes flute and piano)

Flute ensembles (flute trios, quartets,and choirs)

Flute in chamber music - trios

Flute in chamber music - quartets (includes standard woodwind quartets)

Flute in chamber music - quintets and sextets (includes wind quintets)

Flute solo and wind ensemble


Flute Music, Online Graded Catalog of Sheet Music  

Product description: Flute, Piccolo, and Alto Flute: Solos, Duos, Choirs, Chamber Music and Recordings