Trombone in Chamber Music, Trios, by Howard J. Buss

Trombone or euphonium in chamber music - trios:
Works are in alphabetical order, durations are in parenthesis.
(An asterisk, "*", after the word "trombone" means that the part may also be played by a euphonium.)

CAPRICCIO (1986) for clarinet, trombone and one percussion is a whimsical work. Following an introduction, the frolicking Exposition unfolds only to be interrupted by a chorale-like episode followed by a paraphrase of the opening “thematic” material. The development section consists primarily of cadenzas for the percussionist, trombonist, and clarinetist respectively. (The cadenzas are separated by colorful transitional passages.) The clarinet cadenza is abruptly interrupted by the percussionist and trombonist leading to a section in Dixieland style. The composition concludes with a Recapitulation and Coda. Capriccio pokes fun at the pyrotechnical characteristics exhibited by many contemporary compositions and the same time hints at a parallel with similar elements in Dixieland and jazz. It was premiered in at the University of South Florida, Tampa by the composer on trombone, clarinetist Judy E. Buss, and percussionist Robert McCormick in November, 1981. The instrumentation includes 5 tom-toms, snare drum, tambourine, suspended cymbals, cowbells, triangle, tam-tam, bell tree, one timpani, vibes & bells. "Frolicking and freewheeling with 12-tone Dixieland to boot!" -The London Times - Video on YouTube
(13’) Grade V.
Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt .mp3;

Excerpt 3.mp3; Excerpt 4.mp3; Excerpt 5.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

CONCERTANTE for trombone, tuba and piano. In this one-movement composition the trombone and tuba are treated as equal partners as they traverse a wide variety of sonic atmospheres. Energetic and sometimes fiery sections surround a beautiful and lyrical central part.
(8’40”) Grade V.- Score Sample: Excerpt.pdf

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

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

CONCERTANTE for euphonium, tuba and piano. In this one movement composition the euphonium and tuba are treated as equal partners as they traverse a wide variety of sonic atmospheres. Energetic and sometimes fiery sections surround a beautiful and lyrical central part.
(9’) Grade V.
Sound samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3; Excerpt 4.mp3

This work is also published in a version for euphonium, tuba, and orchestra.

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

CONTRASTS IN BLUE (2001) for trumpet, trombone*, and piano. The 2 movements, Evening Shadows and Summer Sea, are evocative of the imagery suggested by the titles of the movements and of the musical “blues” as well. The themes of shadows and water also suggest a kinship with the impressionist style of 100 years earlier. (15'30") Grade V. - Video on YouTube
Sound Samples:
Movement 1.mp3; Movement 2A.mp3; Movement 2B.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

ELEGY for horn, trombone, and tuba was composed in memory of Dr. John Allen Seidel (1948-2016) who was the long-time professor of trombone at Ball State University. John performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and with orchestras including the Indianapolis Symphony and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra. The composer knew John dating back to their days as students at West Chester State College in Pennsylvania in the late 1960�s. This lyrical and heart-felt work showcases the beautiful sonority of the chamber ensemble. The character of the music is meditative, reflective, and at times conveys a hint of reverence. Elegy received its world premiere at West Chester University of Pennsylvania on February 18, 2025 by WCU Professors Elizabeth Pfaffle, horn, Dan Cherry, trombone, and Jonathan Fowler, tuba.
(6') Grade IV-V. Score sample.pdf

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

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

EMANATIONS for two euphoniums (or euphonium & tuba) and drum set is in three movements: Variegated Anticipation, Serenity, and Faceted Radiance. This work is dedicated to Patrick Nyren and was premiered by him and Chris Kaltenbach on euphonium, and Michael Serbantez on percussion in March, 2016 at New Mexico State University, Las Cruces. The second euphonium part is easily played on a tuba. The percussionist uses a standard drum set.
(17’) Grade V.
Sound samples: Movement 1.mp3; Movement 2.mp3; Movement 3.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

New! ENIGMATIC TRIPTYCH for trumpet, horn, and trombone is dedicated to trombonist Dr. Daniel Cherry. The word “Enigma” is derived from the Greek word ainissesthai, meaning "to speak in riddles." This three-movement brass trio was composed in late 2022 and early 2023, an uncertain time when it appeared that the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic could be behind us.The titles of the movements, Sanguine, Mystic, and Eccentric, may offer the listener some clues as to the “riddle” behind the music.
(11') Grade V-VI. Score samples.pdf - Video on YouTube

Sound samples: Movement 1.mp3, Movement 2.mp3; Movement 3A.mp3, and 3B.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

FLORIDA TABLEAU (1987) for clarinet, trombone and piano is in 3 movements: The March of Progress features dramatic contrasts between lyrical lines in the winds sounding over a hard-driving piano accompaniment, and a development section characterized by staccato melodic fragments being passed among the players. Pastorale is impressionistic and paints a sonic portrait of rural Florida's vast pasture lands, forests, lakes, and the Everglades. The Eternal Sea begins and ends with turbulent sections, one can easily imagine great waves crashing on the shoreline. The middle part of the movement has a swashbuckling and almost humorous quality about it, suggesting people frolicking at the beach. Florida Tableau was commissioned by the Florida State Music Teachers Association. “A curious musical blend of the old and the new, much like modern Florida itself.” - The Orlando Sentinel (16’40”) Grade V.
Sound Samples: Excerpt Mov.1.mp3; Excerpt Mov.2.mp3; Excerpt Mov.3.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

IMAGINATIONS (2012) for horn, trombone and piano. Ranging from lyric tenderness to powerful (and sometimes fiery) technical displays, the 2 movements, Contemplative and Auspicious, explore a wide range of sonic atmospheres and moods. It was composed for Gene Berger, horn; John Seidel, trombone; and Liz Beth Seidel, piano. (13’) Grade V.
Sound samples: Movement 1, excerpt 1.mp3; excerpt 2.mp3;

Movement 2: excerpt 1.mp3; excerpt 2.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

JAZZICAL #5 for euphonium, tuba and piano was written for Gail Robertson and Stacy Baker for ITEC 2016. This work juxtaposes technical and spiritual elements of jazz and classical music.
(7’30”) Grade V.
Sound Samples: Excerpt_1.mp3, Excerpt_2.mp3, Excerpt_3.mp3

Video on YouTube

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

SERENDIPITY SUITE for trumpet (Eb, Bb, and Bb piccolo), trombone, and piano was composed in the summer of 2016 for trumpeter Brittany Hendricks and trombonist Bruce Faske. The work is in 3 movements: Auspicious Moon, Slow Dance, and Excursion. The composition is designed so that the trumpeter uses an Eb trumpet in the first movement, a Bb trumpet in the second, and a Bb piccolo trumpet in the third. Included is an alternative trumpet part so that the work can be performed exclusively on a Bb trumpet.
(12’40”) Grade V.
Score sample (score in C) Excerpt.pdf

Sound samples: Movement 1.mp3, Movement 2.mp3, Movement 3.mp3

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

TRIGON (1989, revised 2021) for trumpet, trombone, and tuba. This energetic piece is characterized by lyrical passages juxtaposed with aggressive, angular sections. All three players have substantial solo lines in this exciting tour de force. (9’30") Grade V. Score sample.pdf

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

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

VENTURES (2014) for solo euphonium and percussion (1 or 2 players) is dedicated to Patrick Nyren. It's 3 movements, Boldly, Introspective, and Go!, demonstrate the incredible expressive range and technical capabilities of the instruments. The percussion setup is designed so that it can be performed by 1 or 2 players. The work was premiered in 2014 by Patrick Nyren, euphonium, and percussionists Daniel Lyons and Kenny Goss at New Mexico State University, Las Cruces.
(14'45") Grade VI. Sound samples: Movement 1: excerpt 1.mp3); excerpt 2.mp3;

Movement 2:_excerpt 1.mp3; excerpt 2.mp3; Movement 3:excerpt 1.mp3; excerpt 2.mp3

View on YouTube Ventures: I. Boldly, Ventures: II. Introspective, and Ventures: III Go!

Music available from Cimarron Music Press

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Trombone and Euphonium Music Index (includes music for bass trombone)
Click on an instrumentation link, works are listed in alphabetical order within each category:

Solo Trombone or euphonium- unaccompanied

Trombone or euphonium & one other instrument
(various combinations, including works with piano and electronic recording)

Trombone or euphonium with percussion ensemble

Trombone or euphonium ensembles

Trombone or euphonium in chamber music - trios (includes brass trios)

Trombones or euphoniums in chamber music - quartets (includes standard brass quartets)

Trombone in chamber music - quintets, sextets, and brass choir (includes standard brass quintets)

Trombone or euphonium and band

Howard J. Buss, /Composer

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Trombone/Euphonium/Bass Trombone Music, catalog of sheet music.
Product description: Trombone, Euphonium, Bass Trombone: Solos, Duos, Ensembles, Chamber Music and Recordings