Guitar Music by Howard J. Buss

Compositions and Arrangements
Grading Scale:
I-II: Easy
III-IV: Intermediate
V-VI: Advanced
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Guitar Sheet Music    solo    guitar with one other instrument    guitar in chamber music      


Guitar solos, unaccompanied
durations are in parenthesis


DANCES and Interludes coverDANCES AND INTERLUDES for solo guitar was commissioned by guitarist, Dr. Robert Phillips. It features 3 dance-like sections preceded by a soulful introduction and separated by developmental interludes. The composer was inspired by styles from 3 countries: the songo from Cuba, bossa nova from Brazil, and rumba flamenco from Spain. The songo combines elements of the folkloric rumba with popular Cuban dance music. The Latin beat of the songo is specifically designed for the drum set. Although drums are not used in this piece, the first dance, ala songo, captures the choppy, energetic flavor of the Cuban model. The interlude that follows transitions to the mood for the second dance, ala bossa nova. This section has the smoother, more relaxed quality of this popular Brazilian style. It gradually gives way to the final dance, ala rumba flamenco. The energetic strumming patterns, colorful effects with muted strings, percussive interjections with the palm of the hand and fingertips capture the spirit of this exciting Andalusian genre. Recorded on the 4Tay Records CD (4061) Night/Dances by Robert Phillips. "Buss’ music is a mix of intellect and fun, taking us on a whistle-stop tour of Afro-Latin musics such as the Cuban Songo, the Brazilian Bossa Nova and flamenco. There is a complexity here that is most appealing." - Fanfare Magazine May/June 2021 - (9') Grade V. Score sample: Excerpts.pdf

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

Music available from Cimarron Music Press


Guitar with one other instrument   (Works are listed in alphabetical order.)

WAVE TRAIN (1990) for flute and guitar. The interaction of the lyrical melodies in this beautiful and frequently performed work 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 HoneyRock label by the McCormick Duo. This is an attractive feature number which also works well as a contest piece. (6’15”) Grade IV-V.

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



Guitar in chamber music   (Works are listed in alphabetical order.)  (top of page)

AWAKENING is a charming, soulful composition strongly influenced by the Jewish Klezmer idiom. The music moves from a mystical, contemplative opening to an energetic finale. 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 a appropriate musical offering in a house of worship. (7’)  Grade IV.
Awakening
for flute, guitar, and string bass score sample (score in C): Opening.pdf

Awakening (clarinet, guitar & string bass version) Sound Samples:
Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3

version for alto flute, guitar & string bass, Music available from Cimarron Music Press

version for clarinet, guitar and string bass,  Music available from Cimarron Music Press



TRADITIONS (1990, 2014) for violin, clarinet, guitar and string bass was commissioned by the Luski Endowment for Viva Klezmer! as part of the nationwide 50th Anniversary Celebration of the American Music Center. In 2014 the composer revised the work, further developing some sections. Traditions is a synthesis of traditional Jewish Klezmer music and elements of Western concert music. From the ornate opening cadenza (based upon the well-known "Shalom Alechem" melody to the jubilant, energetic "freilach" which concludes the work, The music spans a wide range of emotions. It is meticulously notated so that even if one has not performed Klezmer music before, it is relatively easy to play in this exciting style. (7’10”)
Grade IV-V.
Score Samples: Score_excerpt.pdf; Clarinet part.pdf Sound Sample: Excerpt.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press 


(Top of Page)


String Music Index:
Click on an instrumentation link, works are listed in alphabetical order within each category.

String solos, unaccompanied

Guitar

Harp

String with one other instrument


String ensembles

Strings in chamber music - trios

Strings in chamber music - quartets

Strings in chamber music - quintets and larger


Howard J. Buss, Composer       

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Guitar music, catalog of sheet music.
Product description: Guitar: Solos, Duos, and Chamber Music.