String Music: Trios, by Howard J. Buss

Compositions and Arrangements
Grading Scale:
I-II: Easy
III-IV: Intermediate
V-VI: Advanced
                            Search by Instrumentation 
 

Strings in chamber music - trios
(works are in alphabetical order, durations are in parenthesis):


AWAKENING is a soulful composition 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 a concert, and because of its spiritual nature, makes a wonderful musical offering in a house of worship.
(7’)  Grade IV.
- version for alto flute, guitar & string bass, Score Sample (score in C): Opening.pdf
Music available from Cimarron Music Press

- version for clarinet, guitar and string bass,Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3;

Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3 - Music available from Cimarron Music Press


 
IN THE MIRROR OF TIME (2003) for clarinet, violin and cello is in two movements: Recollections and Moving On. The first is lyrical and sweet and is permeated by a nostalgic ambience. The second retains some of the sentimentality of the first, but is more animated and pushes forward suggesting the relentless progression of time. Each movement is about 5 minutes in duration.
(10’) Grade V.
YouTube videos: Movement I."Recollections", Movement II."Moving On"

Sound Samples:Movement 1A.mp3; Movement 1B.mp3 Movement 2A.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



REMEMBRANCES (2000) was written immediately following the death of the composer's 97-year-old grandmother. Rather than being a somber memorial or musical epitaph, this melodious work is a celebration of life. The work finishes in a spirit of buoyant optimism.
(8’) Grade IV.

version for clarinet, cello & piano Sound samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3;

Excerpt 3 .mp3-  Score sample: Excerpt.pdf - Music available from Cimarron Music Press

version for flute, cello and piano Sound samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3;

Excerpt 3
.mp3 - Score sample: Excerpt.pdf - Music available from Cimarron Music Press

- version for trumpet, cello and piano Sound samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3;

Excerpt 3.mp3 - Score sample: Excerpt.pdf
- Music available from Cimarron Music Press


Reverie_Buss coverREVERIE (1992) for clarinet, viola and piano. This work was commissioned by Luis Rossi and the Trio de Buenos Aires. It was premiered by this ensemble in Madrid, Spain at the Circulo de Bellas Artes in 1994. As the title suggests, the music is contemplative.
(10’30”) Grade V. View on YouTube

Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3; Excerpt 4.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



SAINT FRANCIS AND THE ANIMALS for flute, clarinet and harp is a tribute to St. Francis of Assisi, the venerated Catholic friar, preacher, founder of several Orders, and lover of animals and the environment. The 2 movements, The Birds, and The Wolf, musically portray 2 of the many well-known stories of how Saint Francis communicated with animals.This work was commissioned by Kathleen Jones for ClarinetFest 2013 in Assisi, Italy. (11’30”) Grade V-VI.
Sound Samples: Movement I, excerpt 1.mp3; Movement 1, excerpt 2.mp3;

Movement II, excerpt 1.mp3; Movement II, excerpt 2.mp3; Movement II, excerpt 3.mp3

Videos on YouTube: I. The Birds, and II. The Wolf

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



Sonic Tapestries coverSONIC TAPESTRIES for violin, alto sax, and piano was written for Drs, Rachael and Stephen Fischer for the 2020 North American Saxophone Alliance Conference. The 3 movements explore a diversity of moods and intriguing musical atmospheres and textures. Variegated, Pensive, Cosmopolitan Strands.
Total duration without pauses: 11’ Grade V. - YouTube video

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

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

Movement 3: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3 - Score sample: Excerpt.pdf 

Music available from Cimarron Music Press


SPRING REVERIE for viola, cello, and bassoon was composed during the spring of 2022 for bassoonist Christopher Jewell. This lyrical work showcases the beautiful sonority of the chamber ensemble. It was inspired by the glorious appearance of lush foliage on trees after a long winter. The character of the music is meditative, reflective, and at times conveys a hint of reverence. Spring Reverie received its world premier on March 16, 2023 in the Millennium Theatre of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. by members of the Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra.
(10'30") Grade V. Score sample: Excerpt.pdf

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

Music available from Cimarron Music Press



TENNESSEE SUITE (2001) for flute, viola and piano was inspired by the composer’s visit to the Smoky Mountains. It is in four movements: Mystic Dawn, Treetop Capers, Cades Cove and The Trail to Abrams Falls. Written for flutist Dr. Shelley Binder. (13’) Grade V.
Sound Samples: Movement 1.mp3; Movement 2.mp3; Movement 3.mp3;

Video on YouTube

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       

Search by Instrumentation

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