Music for Unaccompanied Flute by Howard J. Buss

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Solo flute: unaccompanied   (Works are in alphabetical order, durations in parenthesis)

A Day in the City coverA DAY IN THE CITY “7 Vignettes” (1986) for solo flute by Howard J. Buss. These musical scenes from the city are excellent study and recital pieces. Each of the 7 movements depict an experience the composer had one day during a visit to New York City. Another Sunrise, Off to a Busy Day, The Lost Key Episode, The Waitin' in Line Blues, Romantic Interlude, Sudden Storm, and Out on the Town. "Tonal, charming and imaginative! The low purchase price and the incisive approach of a skilled composer make this a piece worth seeking out.”- PMEA News (10’) Grade IV.
Listen on YouTube - Score sample: Excerpts.pdf

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



Anne of the Waves coverANNE OF THE WAVES (2018) for solo flute by Howard J. Buss was commissioned for Anne Marie McReynolds. The 3 movements, From the Waves, Dreaming, and Glistening, explore a wide array of moods and sonic atmospheres ranging from the mystical, to the contemplative, to soaring, vibrant passages. A common rhythmic thread is adaptation of “Anne of the Waves” as expressed in Morse Code. The use of code refers to the fact that both Anne was an airplane pilot and that Morse Code is still used in aviation. The rhythms in the music derived from code appear in a variety of contexts, such as sections in a lilting 6/8, a flowing waltz, and in a more abstract, sparkling way in the final movement. However, it is not necessary to know Morse Code to enjoy this work. Musically, the rhythms resulting from its use serve as a unifying factor throughout.
(7’45”) Grade IV-V. - Score sample: Excerpts.pdf

Sound samples: Movement 1.mp3, Movement 2.mp3, Movement 3.mp3

Video on YouTube

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



Hurricane! coverHURRICANE! for solo flute by Howard J. Buss was written in 2004 immediately after the Florida composer personally experienced the wrath of 3 major hurricanes over a span of 6 weeks. The four movements juxtapose serene passages with intense and violent sections. The overall form is analogous to the sequence of events that occur during the approach and passing of a hurricane. The movements are: The Approach (1’45”), The First Wave (1’35”), The Eye (1’50”), and The Second Wave (1’35”). Total Performance Time: 6’35”  Grade V.
Sound Samples: Movement 1.mp3, Movement 2.mp3,

Movement 3.mp3, Movement 4.mp3

Recorded on the CD Flauto solo by Elena Cecconi on the Bottega Discantica (Italy) label BDI 187.
Score sample: Excerpts.pdf

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



Pipe Dream coverPIPE DREAM (1992) for solo flute by Howard J. Buss, written for Dr. Kim McCormick, evokes the mood of meditating in a forest on a sunny afternoon. Compositionally, bird calls are interjected to present new melodic and rhythmic ideas and influence the overall development of the work. This device also symbolically represents how environmental sounds can be suggestive and influence thought patterns. Finalist in the 1993 Newly-Published Music Competition of the National Flute Association.- "A warm, leisurely exploration of hot, lazy sensations". - Paul Ingram, Fanfare Magazine. It is recorded on Twilight Remembered. (CD available from the composer) (6’25") Grade V.
Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3, Excerpt 2.mp3, Excerpt 3.mp3 -  YouTube video

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



Space Renaissance Suite coverSPACE RENAISSANCE SUITE (2013) for solo flute by Howard J. Buss, dedicated to the renowned Italian flutist, Elena Cecconi, was inspired by the tenets of the Space Renaissance Initiative, which is dedicated to influencing world opinion to support space travel and to “lift humanity from the cradle of the Earth.” The 4 movements explore imaginary scenarios one may experience during future space travel and the colonization of distant worlds. Through the Portal and Alien Storm musically depict one’s first glimpses of an alien world. Introspection and Reaching Beyond address the intriguing opposing mental capacities that allow a human being to tap into his/her inner self to connect with the universe, and also to kindle the desire to reach outward to new adventures and exploration. (7'45") Grade V.
Score sample: Excerpts.pdf   -   Video on YouTube

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

Movement 3.mp3; Movement 4.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



Venetian Memoirs coverVENETIAN MEMOIRS (2010) for solo flute Howard J. Buss is a "tour de force" dedicated to the acclaimed Italian flutist, Elena Cecconi. Based on the composer's experiences in Venice, it is divided into 3 movements: "PrimoMattino (Early Morning), "Scene di Strada (Sidewalk Scenes)" and "Il Treno del Ritorno (The Train Ride Home)." The character of the music coupled with the inclusion of numerous mini-quotes from Italian folk songs and composers such as Offenbach, Paganini, Palestrina, Rossini, and Vivaldi make this an audience-friendly work. (12') Grade V-VI.
Score sample: Excerpts.pdf  -  Video on YouTube

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

Music available from Cimarron Music Press


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Howard J. Buss, Composer       

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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