Howard J. Buss Music for Voice

Voice and one other instrument (in alphabetical order, durations in parenthesis):

THE ASPHALT BLANKET (1995) for narrator and alto flute (or C flute) is the fifth movement of the composition Modern Times. This work is reflective and laments what is lost in the name of “progress” in the modern world. Recorded on the Capstone Records CD Howard J. Buss: Modern Times, available from the composer.
(3’10) Grade V. Sound Sample.mp3

Video on YouTube

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

A MIDDLE-AGED MAN AND HIS TWO MISTRESSES for baritone voice and alto sax is based on a fable by Aesop, adapted by the composer for this musical setting. As with many of Aesop's fables, human foibles are addressed in an entertaining and humorous manner. While performing "A Middle-aged Man and His Two Mistresses" the performers create a lighthearted, playful atmosphere.
(6'50") Grade V. Score sample: Excerpt.pdf - Video on YouTube

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

THE TRAVELER AND THE SATYR for baritone voice and alto sax was composed for Drs. Chris Sheppard, baritone; and Barry McGinnis, saxophone. It was premiered by them on February 12, 2025 at Newberry College in South Carolina. This work may also be sung by a bass with a few octave displacements. The text was adapted by the composer from a fable by Aesop (620–564 BCE) and the epilogue is a stanza from a poem by Jefferys Taylor (1792–1853.) In concert this song may be coupled with Buss’ composition, A MIDDLE-AGED MAN AND HIS TWO MISTRESSES, also for baritone voice and alto sax, based on an Aesop fable, and published by Cimarron Music Press.
(5’10”) Grade V.

Score sample: Excerpt.pdf

Sound sample: Excerpt.mp3

Music is available from Cimarron Music Press

WHERE NOW RUSTS THE IRON? (1994, revised 2025) for high voice (soprano or tenor) and piano is a dramatic musical tribute to the composer’s grandfather, Howard J. Buss Sr. (1893-1966), who, like many ironworkers in his day, worked under brutal conditions with the dream of making life better for future generations.The music and text was written by the composer in 1994 and revised in 2025. It celebrates the idea that all forms of labor, when done with honesty, sincerity, and commitment, deserve respect and are fundamental to one’s humanity. It speaks to the dignity inherent in the labor and aspirations of those who work with their hands.
Note to the vocalist:
The written vocal range of this work is from G3 to Bb5; however, the tessitura is moderate. Ideally, the notes should be sung in the original octave. In a number of places, the vocalist is given the option to perform notes an octave higher than written.
(7’30) Grade IV- V.
Score sample: Excerpt.pdf - Music available from Cimarron Music Press

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

Voice in chamber music (in alphabetical order)

MODERN TIMES (1995) for narrator, flute, and 4 percussion (words and music by Howard J. Buss) is a powerful depiction of life in our time. Provocative, at times mystical, and occasionally humorous, this work addresses an eclectic range of subjects such as taxes, neglected children, team mascots, and the information glut. “The tenor of Buss’ social commentary is somewhere between the witty jeering of Mark Twain and the pithy insights of Sinclair Lewis. In his free verse one finds provocation without violence and intense anger without profanity.” - The Tampa Tribune. The music transports the poetry into the dramatic and colorful sound world of the flute and percussion ensemble. The result is a unique and fresh view of the culture(s) in which we live. “The writing is mature and fresh, yet is within reach of a solid college ensemble.” - George Frock, Percussive Notes Magazine “This work is well-paced, colorful and accessible to audiences not familiar with complex percussion literature.This is truly one of the finest works in our idiom.” Robert McCormick, Florida Percussive News. The 8 movements may be performed individually or in smaller groupings. (30’) Grade V.
Recorded on the CD Howard J. Buss: Modern Times, available from the composer.
Sound samples:
I. Info Glut Sample.mp3; II. Night Tide Sample.mp3;

III. The Hunt ) Sound Sample.mp3; IV. Five Question Interlude Sample.mp3;

V. The Asphalt Blanket Sample.mp3; VI. To a Neglected Child Sample.mp3

VII. Giggles!?! Sample.mp3; VIII. Modern Times Sample#1.mp3; Sample#2.mp3

Video on YouTube

Percussion: Percussion 1: Xylophone, lion roar, tam-tam, vibraslap, suspended cymbals, Chinese bell tree, and bongos; Percussion 2: Marimba, snare drum, bass drum, anvils (metal pipes may be substituted), glass jug or jars (to be broken for the sonic effect), conga drum, wind chimes, and triangle; Percussion 3: Vibes, roto toms, tambourine, tam-tam, police whistle, shaker, duck call; Percussion 4: Orchestra bells, timpani, agogo bells, suspended cymbals, hi-hat, wind chimes, wood block, frog croak (may be imitated vocally), boing box effect (a flexitone may be substituted), triangle and guiro.

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

NIGHT WATCH for two SATB choirs. This antiphonal work addresses the watchfulness necessary in the modern age of international tensions. Written during the Cold War, Night Watch juxtaposes images of nighttime serenity with the awareness of threats from afar with reference to the vigilance of radar searching for incoming missiles and warplanes. (6') Grade IV-V.

Order from Subito Music.

WHERE NOW RUSTS THE IRON? (1994, 2025) for high voice (soprano or tenor), flute, cello and four percussion is a dramatic musical tribute to the composer’s grandfather, Howard J. Buss Sr. (1893-1966), who, like many ironworkers in his day, worked under brutal conditions with the dream of making life better for future generations.
The music and text was written by the composer in 1994 and revised in 2025. It celebrates the idea that all forms of labor, when done with honesty, sincerity, and commitment, deserve respect and are fundamental to one’s humanity. It speaks to the dignity inherent in the labor and aspirations of those who work with their hands.
Note to the vocalist: The written vocal range of this work is from G3 to Bb5; however, the tessitura is moderate. Ideally, the notes should be sung in the original octave. In a number of places, the vocalist is given the option to perform notes an octave higher than written.
(7’30") Grade IV-V. Score sample: Excerpt.pdf

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

Howard J. Buss, Composer

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Vocal Music: graded catalog. Product description: Vocal: Solos, Duos, Chamber Music.