"Buss’ music is a mix of intellect and fun. There is a complexity here that is most appealing." - Fanfare Magazine, May/June 2021
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Howard J. Buss is a composer of contemporary classical music whose works have reached audiences in over 50 countries. His compositions are regularly showcased at both national and international music festivals and conventions, performed by a diverse array of musicians, including faculty and student musicians, and current and former members of orgaizations such as Atlanta Symphony, Berlin Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and U.S Army Field Band. Notably, his patriotic composition for band, "Fanfares," is part of the Presidential Collection of Ronald Reagan. Buss has an extensive catalog of more than 300 published works, encompassing instrumental solos, chamber music, symphonic pieces, choral arrangements, and band compositions.
Artist's statement: “I write bold, imaginative modern compositions with rich color schemes and intriguing rhythms. The melodies, frequently ornate, are predominately lyrical in quality. My music is characterized by detailed technical proficiency with a good measure of firmness - a directness of concept intended to entice listeners. The compositions are also constructed to be thought provoking. I call upon the listener’s imagination, interpretation, and emotional and spiritual experiences. Each of my compositions is intended to be a unique sound-world. The influences on my work may vary greatly from one composition to the next. However, when one views the entire body of my work, it is apparent that these influences come together as a comprehensive whole reflecting my musical ideal.”
As a composer of contemporary classical music, Howard J. Buss creates compositions that are both intellectually engaging and enjoyable. His music blends the complexities of modern classical music with a refreshing sense of fun, offering listeners a unique and captivating musical experience. "Buss’ music is a mix of intellect and fun. There is a complexity here that is most appealing." - Fanfare Magazine, May/June 2021.
Howard J. Buss has received numerous awards and his commissioned works include original compositions as well as arrangements. His compositions are frequently included and analyzed in dissertations, lectures, and professional music journals. His music has been recorded on the Albany, Bottega Discantica (Italy), Crystal, Capstone, De Ferrari (Italy), DUX (Poland), Equilibrium, 4-Tay, Granada Brass (Spain), HoneyRock, IBS Classical (Spain), PL Productions, Ravello, C. Alan Publications, Soundview, and Urania (Italy) labels, as well as on numerous digital albums. His compositions are published by Brixton Publications, a division of Cimarron Music Press; Smith Publications; and Seesaw Music Corp., a division of Subito Music.
Buss received his B.A. in Applied Music from West Chester University, M.M. in Performance and M.M. in Composition from Michigan State University, and D.M.A. in Composition from the University of Illinois. He is the founder and former editor of Brixton Publications (ASCAP) and Buss Publications (BMI) which publish contemporary American concert music.
E-mail: buss.howard@yahoo.com
Whether you want to commemorate
a special occasion, honor an individual, draw special attention to your
performing career, or simply make a significant contribution to the
repertoire, there is nothing that will add more excitement to your concert
than a premiering a work which you commissioned. Howard J. Buss has been
commissioned by numerous musicians and patrons who recognize the importance
of ensuring a permanent legacy demonstrating their dedication to the art of music. Occasions for which he has been commissioned include the opening
ceremony of a performing arts school, the nation-wide 50th Anniversary
of the American Music Center, the 30th Anniversary of the International
Trombone Festival, memorials to honor the departed, weddings, birthdays, and many high-profile music
festival and convention performances.
To begin the commissioning process, first determine the type of work you wish to create, including its instrumentation and estimated length. Once you have these details, reach out to the composer at buss.howard@yahoo.com to discuss the specifics.
Compositions and arrangements:
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