String in Chamber Music, quintets and larger, by Howard J. Buss

Strings in chamber music - quintets and larger
(works are in alphabetical order, durations are in parenthesis):

DANCES AND INTERLUDES (2024) for guitar and string quartet was adapted from the composer’s solo guitar composition of the same name. Three contrasting, dance-like sections are preceded with a soulful introduction and separated by developmental interludes. For the dance music, the composer was inspired by styles from 3 countries: the songo from Cuba, bossa nova from Brazil, and rumba flamenco from Spain. The first dance, ala songo, captures the choppy, energetic flavor of its Cuban model. The second dance, ala bossa nova, features the smoother, relaxed quality of this popular Brazilian style. In the final dance, ala rumba flamenco, energetic strumming patterns, colorful effects, and percussive interjections capture the spirit of this exciting Andalusian genre.
This work was premiered on March 26, 2024 by members of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra: John Arnold, guitar; violinists Eliezer Gutman and Inna Eyzerovich; violist Pamela Jacobson; and cellist Hikaru Tamaki. (7') Grade V-VI. Score samples.pdf

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

THE HEAVENS AWAKEN (2008) for solo bassoon and string quartet is dedicated to bassoonist Arnold Irchai. The structure of this work is highly symbolic in that it was inspired by the details of the visions of the priest Ezekiel while living with the Jewish exiles in Babylon. Ezekiel saw a powerful, glowing, and complex entity appear in the sky out of a “great cloud.” He believed it to be an appearance of God: “Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of 4 living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.” (Ezekiel 1:5 KJV) The formal scheme is programmatic in the sense that the sequence of events described in the vision is musically represented in a general way. The serene opening gradually becomes mysterious and gives way to a series of passages that serve as an ominous portent to the arrival of the airborne object. The 4 string instruments, each with 4 strings, 4 tuning pegs, and human-like body shape symbolize the 4 “creatures” of the vision. The bassoon represents the “voice” of what Ezekiel believes is God. It should be noted that many people also have interpreted his vision as a sighting of a UFO, described with the insights and vocabulary of the day. (12’30”) Grade V.
Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3 - Score Sample: excerpt.pdf

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

MILLENNIUM VISIONS (1999) for clarinet and string quartet is in three movements: First Dawn, Meditation, and Quest, was composed in the latter months of 1999 when most of the world was looking forward with anticipation to the turn of the Century, and in many minds, the Millennium. The conflict between man’s desire to “progress” in our technological age and his desire to connect to his spiritual past is symbolically represented by an array of musical styles and compositional procedures. The modern world is suggested by passages influenced by popular music styles and 12-tone technique. The longing for spirituality is manifested in the poignant lyricism of the work and its reliance on classical formal structures. Commissioned for ClarinetFest 2000, premiered by Tom Martin (Boston Symphony). (20’) Grade V.
Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3, Excerpt 2.mp3. Excerpt 3.mp3 - Video on YouTube

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

OCEAN MOODS “Three Sonic Portraits” (2014) for flute, clarinet, violin, viola, and cello ranges from lyric tenderness to powerful and sometimes dazzling technical displays. The three movements, Vistas, From the Depths), and Blustery, explore a wide range of sonic atmospheres and moods. . (13’30”) Grade VI.
Sound samples: Movement 1.mp3; Movement 2.mp3: Movement 3.mp3 - Video

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

SINFONIETTA (1990) for string quintet (2-1-1-1) or string orchestra was commissioned by the Imperial Symphony Orchestra to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the American Music Center. It was premiered by the Imperial Symphony Orchestra in April, 1991 in Lakeland, Florida. The work begins with a mystical introduction that is somewhat transparent in nature. Haunting melodies for the solo viola and violin are superimposed over the sustained sonorities of the ensemble creating a deeply reflective mood. The music gradually becomes agitated and builds in intensity as the introduction gives way to a sequence of passages of varying length and character: A fanfare-like transition followed by an energetic segment characterized by driving rhythms and changing meters leads to a section featuring buoyant melodies where, through the fast-moving surface elegance, runs an undercurrent of tension. The work concludes in a spirit of triumphant proclamation.
(6’30”) Grade V.Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

WHERE NOW RUSTS THE IRON? (1994) for high voice, flute, cello and six percussionis a dramatic tribute to the composer’s grandfather who, like many ironworkers in his day, worked under brutal conditions with the dream of making life better for future generations. “A moving work touching our communal soul.” (8’) Grade IV-V. 

Score sample: Excerpt.pdf

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

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

String solos, unaccompanied

Guitar

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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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Product description: String Music: Solos, Duos, Chamber Music and Recordings