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Works by Howard J. Buss
Clarinet and electronic recording
Clarinet or Basset horn and piano
Clarinet and violin, or viola, or cello
Clarinet and horn, or trombone, or tuba
Grading scale: I-II - Easy, III-IV - Intermediate; V-VI Advanced - Durations are in parenthesis.
Clarinet and electronic recording:
ALIEN LOOP DE LOOPS for clarinet and electronic recording is a playful fantasy piece designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences. The title refers to both programmatic and technical elements in the work. During the opening section the clarinetist plays unaccompanied, but then is joined by the recording, which contains sounds generated by traditional instruments as well as an "alien" voice, the spacecraft, and various electronic effects. Technically, the title refers to how the recording was made. It consists of numerous sound loops combined to form an imaginative sonic tapestry.
(6’47”) Grade V.
Sound samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3; Excerpt 4.mp3
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
Clarinet and piano, Basset horn and piano: (Top of Page)
COLOR'TUDES “Five Attitudinal Colors” for bass clarinet and piano. Colors influence a wide array of aspects of the human condition, most notably moods and emotions as well as one’s sense of taste and time perception. Too numerous to mention here are the thousands of other ways colors influence our lives. This suite of 5 character pieces musically personifies attributes of the respective colors: Obsessive Crimson, Deep Purple, Flippant Yellow, Cobalt Aglow, and Funky Orange. Color'tudes was composed for bass clarinetist Dr. Karl Kolbeck. He and Dr. Angela Miller-Niles premiered it in April, 2021.
YouTube Video
Total duration: 14’ Grade V-VI.
Score sample: Excerpts.pdf - Sound samples: Movement 1.mp3; Movement 2.mp3;
Movement 3.mp3; Movement 4.mp3; Movement 5.mp3
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
DIALOGUE (1981) for clarinet and piano is a sonata in 3 movements: Florida Bound begins with bold statements by both instruments followed by a rousing section with driving rhythms and soaring melodies. Forest Whispers, commences with an arabesque melody played on the clarinet with a background of lush, sustained chords on the piano. The mood becomes reflective and the pianist provides a soft, shimmering background for a gentle and beautiful melody played on the clarinet. Rendezvous is a jubilant rondo distinguished by flowing melodies supported by a lively accompaniment.
(13’30”) Grade IV-V. - Video on YouTube
Sound Samples: Movement 1.mp3; Movement 2.mp3; Movement 3.mp3
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
IN MEMORIAM for basset horn and piano is a sonic tribute to the millions of soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in time of war. It was written during the fall of 2005 at a time when the United States marked the 2000th death of a US soldier in Iraq during the Second Gulf War. The two movements reflect the sentiments of the poems In Flanders Fields by John McCrae and In Flanders Fields (An Answer) by C.B. Galbreath. Both of these poems were penned in response to “The War to End All Wars”, World War I, but their convictions are timeless, and certainly apply to the war in Iraq. In 2015 In Memoriam (originally for horn and piano) was adapted for basset horn by the composer in consultation with basset hornist, Dr. Keith Koons. (11’) Grade V.
Score samples: Movement 1.pdf; Movement 2.pdf;
Solo part samples: Movement 1.pdf;Movement 2.pdf
Video on YouTube
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
LEGACY OF
ANCIENT SEAS for clarinet and piano was inspired by the dramatic desert landscapes of the American West and is in 4 movements: Pinnacles and Spires, The Ponderosa Forest, Flight of the Raven, and Salt Lake City Escapade. Commissioned for John Masserini and ClarinetFest
2003. (8’30”) Grade V.
Sound Samples: Movement 1.mp3; Movement 2.mp3; Movement 3.mp3; Movement 4.mp3
Score scamples (score in C): Excerpts.mp3
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
POSTCARDS FROM VIENNA for clarinet and piano was commissioned
for and premiered at ClarinetFest 1998 by Kathleen Gardiner (Mulcahy). It is in 4 movements: Around the Ring, Hundertwasser
House - In Transit, Tombs of Honor, and Street Scenes, and was inspired by
Buss’1996 visit to Vienna. Around the Ring, captures the energy and excitement of traveling on the Ring, a major transportation artery that loops around the city center. The second movement is divided into 2 sections: Hundertwasser House is a tribute to the Viennese artist, Hundertwasser. The title refers specifically to the imaginative apartment house designed by this innovative artist. In Transit is reminiscent of a short hop on the Underground (subway). Tombs of Honor was inspired by the stately cemetery, Zentralfriedhof, where many great musicians from Vienna's glorious past are buried next to one another - Beethoven, Brahms, Johann Strauss, Hugo Wolf, Schubert, and the clarinetist Mühlfeld to name a few. Street Scenes, was inspired by happenings on the bustling Kärtnerstrasse, a pedestrian walkway frequented by street musicians. Included are references to themes by various Viennese composers. At times these excerpts are tossed about in a kaleidoscopic manner. On other occasions they serve as the basis for organic musical development, such as when a metrically altered theme from the first Brahms Clarinet Sonata becomes the subject of a fugue. Video on YouTube
(13') Grade V.
Score sample: Excerpts.pdf - Sound Samples: Movement 1.mp3; Movement 2A.mp3;
Movement 2B.mp3; Movement 3.mp3; Movement 4A.mp3; Movement 4B.mp3
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
REFLECTIONS ON THE LAST POST for clarinet and piano was inspired by The Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium. It honors the thousands of soldiers who died to free Belgium from the Germans in WWI. The Last Post Ceremony was first held on July 1928 and has been performed every night since November 11, 1929 at the Menin Gate Memorial, except during the years of the German occupation of Ypres from May 20, 1940 to September 6, 1944. During the occupation the ceremony was continued at the Brookwood Military Cemetery in Surrey, England. The composition develops the “Last Post” bugle call, which is performed near the beginning of the ceremony. The work also has stirring sections signifying the youthfulness and vitality of those who fought and died on the Ypres battlefields. Score and part included.
(8’) Grade V. Sound samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3; Excerpt 4.mp3
This work is also published for clarinet and band or wind ensemble.
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
SEASIDE REFLECTIONS (2011) for clarinet and piano captures
the serenity of musing by the sea. The following poem by the composer may be narrated before the performance and/or printed in the program notes:“On
the shore of eternity swirling currents of liquid chaos gather for and disperse
as foam. As rock wears to sand all dissonance transforms to serenity. Time
” (7’) Grade IV.
Seaside Reflections for clarinet & harp sound sample: Excerpt.mp3
Sound samples (clarinet & piano): Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
SKYLINES (2002) for clarinet and piano is a musical urban portrait. This work captures, in a broad manner, the essence of the big
city spectacle. The lyrical and majestic first movement, Panorama,
suggests the expansive grandeur of cityscape. The second, Amid the
Spires, captures the dynamic energy on the city streets.
(10'30") Grade V.
Score samples (score in C): Movement 1.pdf; Movement 2.pdf
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
Clarinet and harp: (Top of Page)
SEASIDE REFLECTIONS (2011) for clarinet and harp captures
the serenity of musing by the sea. The following poem by the composer may be narrated before the performance and/or printed in the program notes to set the mood for the music:“On
the shore of eternity swirling currents of liquid chaos gather for and disperse
as foam. As rock wears to sand all dissonance transforms to serenity. Time presses no longer.”
(7’) Grade IV. - Sound sample: Excerpt.mp3
Sound samples (clarinet and piano): Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3
Video on YouTube
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
Two clarinets: (Top of Page)
FELINITY for two clarinets (or clarinet and English horn) is in 3 movements: Alfie’s Dance, Behind the Cryptic Gaze, and Intrigues,
the character of this work is greatly influenced by the feline qualities of
grace, sleekness, stealth, and playfulness. It was commissioned by clarinetist, Karen Dannessa, and English hornist, Henry Grabb.
(8') Grade V.
Score samples (transposed score): Movement 1.pdf; Movement 2.pdf; Movement 3.pdf
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
FOUR MINIATURES (2011) for clarinet and bass clarinet (playable by two soprano clarinets) is a vibrant sonatina is in 4 movements: Aggressive, Contemplative, Buoyant, and Energetic. (9’20”) Grade V.
Score samples: Excerpt 1.pdf ; Excerpt 2.pdf ; Excerpt 3.pdf
Sound samples: Movement 1.mp3; Movement 2.mp3; Movement 3.mp3; Movement 4.mp3
Video on YouTube
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
Clarinet and violin, Clarinet and viola, and Clarinet and cello: (Top of Page)
DIVERGENCES for clarinet and viola was written for clarinetist Dr. Allison Storochuk and violist Dr. Kirsten Weingartner Weiss. The 3 movements explore an array of moods and sonic atmospheres ranging from the mystical, to the contemplative, to soaring, vibrant passages: Recollections of Shared Times, Disparate Views, and Celebrations. The composer states, “The titles relate to a phenomenon that has long fascinated me: How is it that people such as siblings, who grow up in the same environment (home, family, teachers, and shared experiences), can turn out in later years to be very different from one another with their religious and political beliefs, preferences for food, travel, music, etc. This is addressed generally in the duo, which is designed to be musically solid without any extra-musical, programmatic connotations. However, I think the titles and general character of the music will connect with many listeners and may make them think about the evolution of their own personal relationships.”
Grade V. (12’) YouTube video
Score sample: Excerpts.pdf - Sound samples: Movement 1.mp3; Movement 2.mp3; Movement 3.mp3
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
FABLES FROM AESOP (2014) for violin and bass clarinet is in 5 movements: The Dog Who Chased a Lion, The Astronomer, The Camel Who Wanted Horns, The Crow and the Pitcher and The Rabbits and the Frogs. Each movement begins with a performer reciting the corresponding fable. This piece is a hit with all types of audiences, including those comprised of children. (13’) Grade V.
Score samples: Movement1.pdf; Movement 2.pdf; Movement 3.pdf; Movement 4.pdf; Movement 5.pdf
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
TIME CAPSULE (1996) for violin and clarinet is a sonatina in 4 movements: Daybreak,
Chorale, Rendezvous, and Homeward Bound. The first has a frolicking and optimistic character. Chorale breaks with the traditional structure of the chorale in that each phrase gets a measure longer. Rendezvous, is in a lilting 6/8 and "works up a lather" as it progresses to an exciting climax. The final movement, Homeward Bound, begins with a fanfare-like passage that gives way to a spirited dance. (7’) Grade IV-V.
View on YouTube (flute & clarinet version)
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
THE WORLD WITHIN (1999) for clarinet
and cello addresses an individual's yearning to be reconnected with his spiritual past while at the same time endeavoring to be effective in business and social interactions in the modern world. Buss was fascinated by how an acquaintance was resolving this dichotomy in his own life. Six days a week he worked long days as a businessman, immersed in, and sometimes overwhelmed by, the fast-paced world of business. Yet without exception, he spent the entire day every Saturday at his Synagogue in worship, studying the Talmud, following ancient rituals, and reverently assisting the Rabbi in his sacred duties. In this work the two worlds are represented by two markedly different compositional procedures. The former is represented with a highly-structured, lyrical 12-tone style. The latter is more spontaneous and is influenced by Jewish musical idioms. (10’)
Grade V.
Sound Samples:
Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3 - YouTube video
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
Clarinet and flute: (Top of Page)
TIME CAPSULE (1996) for flute and clarinet is a sonatina in 4 movements: Daybreak,
Chorale, Rendezvous, and Homeward Bound.The first has a frolicking and optimistic character. Chorale breaks with the traditional structure of the chorale in that each phrase gets a measure longer. Rendezvous, is in a lilting 6/8 and "works up a lather" as it progresses to an exciting climax. Homeward Bound, begins with a fanfare-like passage that gives way to a spirited dance.
(7’) Grade IV-V.
View on Time Capsule: YouTube Video
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
Clarinet and English horn: (Top of Page)
FELINITY for clarinet and English horn (or for two clarinets) is in 3 movements: Alfie’s Dance, Behind the Cryptic Gaze and Intrigues,
the character of the music is greatly influenced by the feline qualities of
grace, sleekness, stealth, and playfulness. It was commissioned by clarinetist, Karen Dannessa, and English hornist, Henry Grabb.
(8') Grade V.
Score samples (transposed score):
Movement 1.pdf; Movement
2.pdf; Movement 3.pdf
Sound samples: Movement 1.mp3; Movement 2.mp3; Movement 3.mp3
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
Clarinet and horn, Clarinet and trombone, and Clarinet and tuba: (Top of Page)
THREE JAZZICALS (2009) for Bb clarinet and tuba is dedicated to tubist Jay Hunsberger and is in 3 movements - To Bop or Not to Bop, Sounds from the Cool Smoke, and Hotish. The composer states, “ It was not my aim to create a specific hybrid style by synthesizing jazz and modern classical music; rather, my intent was to systematically strip away the fundamental elements of jazz to explore at what point the music ceases being jazz and becomes classical. The style is the resultant this procedure. It is understood that because the subject of what constitutes jazz (there are so many kinds) is so complex, depending upon the background and views of the listener, Three Jazzicals will sound jazzy (in varying degrees) to most, and mostly classical to some.” The instruments employed have been traditionally used in jazz. However, stripped away is the rhythm section; traditional chord progressions; melodic, rhythmic and formal clichés; and improvisation. Among the elements kept is the allowance for personal expression through each player’s tone, inflections, and articulations. (12’) Grade V-VI.
Sound samples: Movement 1.mp3; Movement 2.mp3; Movement 3.mp3
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
Clarinet and percussion: (Top of Page)
CRYSTAL MINIATURES for clarinet and drumset was written for clarinetist, Dr. Allison Storochuk. It received its world premier on July 9, 2023 at ClarinetFest in Denver Colorado. Through the ages people have attributed metaphysical properties to crystals. This set of five short character pieces musically addresses aspects of the nature of the respective crystals.
The movements are titled: Mischievous Pyrite “Fool’s Gold, Deep Azurite, Faceted Amethyst, Smoky Quartz, and Snowflake Tempest. It may come as a surprise to the listener that the often-lyrical melodies of Crystal Miniatures are dodecaphonic. Not all permutations of the row are used, and some are used more than once. It was the composer’s intent to musically reflect the similarities and the differences of geometric constructions of the crystals, while at the same time showcasing their beauty and unique auras. (11') Grade VI. Score sample: Excerpts.pdf
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
DIVERTISSEMENTS for Bb clarinet and percussion was composed in the autumn of 2016 for clarinetist Kathleen Mulcahy. This composition is designed so that either one or two percussionists can perform it. The 3 movements take listeners through a wide range of emotions and sonic atmospheres: Temporal Intrigues, Mystic Eyes, and Fusional Escapades. (12’40”) Grade V. - YouTube Video
Percussion Notes.pdf; Score Samples: Movement 1.pdf, Movement 2.pdf, Movement 3.pdf
Clarinet Part Samples: Movement 1.pdf, Movement 2.pdf, Movement 3.pdf
Sound Samples: Movement 1: Excerpt 1.mp3, Excerpt 2.mp3
Movement 2: Excerpt 3.mp3, Excerpt 4.mp3
Movement 3: Excerpt 5.mp3, Excerpt 6.mp3
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
IMPROMPTU (1994) for clarinet (or soprano saxophone) and marimba is characterized by driving rhythms and ornate melodic lines.
The opening motives undergo almost continuous development
throughout the work, often giving the music a spontaneous, improvisatory
feel. At times the music has a playful quality. At
other times, mysterious and introspective passages contrast with
intense sections to create an atmosphere of moodiness. Two-mallet technique is prominent in the marimba part during
“A very accessible and enjoyable work.”- Percussive Notes. (6’) Grade V.
Sound Samples (played on soprano sax): Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt
2.mp3
Score sample: Excerpts.pdf - Video on YouTube
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
SYLVAN MAGIC for clarinet and vibraphone is dedicated to clarinetist Dr. Barry McGinnis. The three movements, Seasonal Transformations, Musing, and Bustle, were inspired by the change of the seasons in the beautiful Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania. (11’47”) Grade V.
Score Samples: Movement 1.pdf, Movement 2.pdf, Movement 3.pdf
Clarinet Part Samples: Movement 1.pdf, Movement 2.pdf, Movement 3.pdf
Sound Excerpts: Movement 1.mp3, Movement 2.mp3, Movement 3: Excerpt 1.mp3, Excerpt 2.mp3
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
Clarinet/Bass Clarinet Sheet Music by Howard J. Buss
Index of Clarinet Music: (Click on an instrumentation link, works are listed in alphabetical order within each category.)
Clarinet with one other instrument or voice (includes clarinet
duos, clarinet and piano, clarinet and electronic recording, basset horn and piano, etc.)
Clarinet ensembles (includes clarinet
trios, quartets, choirs)
Clarinet or bass clarinet solo with percussion ensemble
Clarinet in chamber music - trios
Clarinet in chamber music - quartets (includes standard woodwind quartets)
Clarinet in chamber music - quintets and sextets (includes standard wind quintets)
Clarinet and band (or wind ensemble)
Howard J. Buss, Composer
Clarinet Music, Online Graded Catalog of Sheet Music.
Product description: Clarinet & Bass Clarinet: Solos, Duos, Choirs, and Chamber Music