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During 2024 Howard J. Buss received an ASCAP Plus Award in recognition of significant performances of his music in non-commercial media. He was also ranked #19 on the list of "35 Notable Alumni of West Chester University of Pennsylvania" by EduRank.
New recordings released:
Wave Train for flute and marimba. Performed by the Windstruck Duo (Ana Laura González, flute; and Julie Licata, percussion) on“Reciprocity 3” - available at https://windstruckduo.bandcamp.com/album/reciprocity-3
Cosmic Portraits for flute, clarinet, alto sax, and tenor sax. Performed by flutist Caterina Stocchi, clarinetist Antonio Fraioli, and saxophonists Caterina Villari and Emma Nicòl Pigato. Available from Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/album/cosmic-portraits/1651929503
and on Spotify.
Venetian Memoirs, Movement 3 "The Train Ride Home" for solo flute performed by Elena Cecconi on the CD attached to the book of Italian Poetry, "Arabeschi e Geometrie." Available from De Ferrari of Genoa, Italy:
https://www.deferrarieditore.it/prodotto/arabeschi-e-geometrie/
Two trumpet and percussion duos, Incantation and Atmospheres have been released on the Album "Inantation" by the Samodai-Szives Duo of Budapest, Hungary. The works are available for downloaded on Spotify:Incantation - Atmospheres: Movements 1, 2, and 3.
Sonic Fables "Lessons from Aesop" for brass quintet and percussion is on the new CD "20" performed by The Granada Brass and Yolunda Chung on percussion. Details about availability will be announced here as soon as distribution begins.
Visit the video collection of Howard J. Buss' compositions at 
New sheet music releases: (top of page)
DANCES AND INTERLUDES 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
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
SONATINA OF REMEMBRANCE for oboe and piano is dedicated to oboist, Dr. Henry Grabb and is tribute to the memory of the victims of Covid-19. This lyrical work was composed during 2021 and 2022 at a time when the world was being ravaged by the pandemic. The four movements are: Remembering You, Pensive Interlude, To a Departed Friend, and Hope Endures. The composition was premiered by Dr. Grabb and pianis Lotus Cheng on October 8, 2023 at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. (10') Grade V. Score sample: Excerpts.pdf
Sound Excerpts: Movement 1.mp3; Movement 2.mp3; Movement 3.mp3; Movement 4.mp3
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
THREE CONTEMPLATIONS for wind quintet was composed during 2022 for the University of Central Florida Faculty Wind Quintet. It was premiered by this ensemble on September 21, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. Its three movments are In the Glow of Love, Daydreams, and Amid the Storm. (12'30") Grade V-VI.
Score sample: Excerpts.pdf
Sound samples: Movement 1.mp3; Movement 2.mp3; Movement 3.mp3
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
TWILIGHT REVERIE for solo piano is dedicated to pianist, Dr. Sarah Masterson and was premiered by her on September 21, 2023 in the Wiles Chapel of Newberry College in South Carolina. (7') Grade V.
Score sample:
Excerpt.pdf
Sound samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
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
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
CADENZAS AND INTERLUDES #1 "Memories from the Isle of Mull" for violin and alto saxophone is dedicated to Drs. Rachael and Stephen Fischer. It was inspired by the composer’s visit to the picturesque Isle of Mull in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. Particularly memorable was a Saturday night Cèilidh* in the island’s capital, Tobermory, which included traditional music from the area. The Scottish musical influences are not direct in Cadenzas and Interludes #1; rather, their spirit is blended with soaring lyricism with a modern bent.
*Pronounced, Kay-lee. In Gaelic, a Cèilidh is a social gathering featuring music, storytelling, and dance. (11') Grade V.
Score samples: Excerpts.pdf
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
ONE NIGHT for clarinet, tenor sax, and piano is in four movements: Evening Zephyrs, Midnight Musings, Venturing Out, and Sounds from the Blue Door.
(11') Grade V.
Score samples: Excerpts.pdf - Video on YouTube
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
Upcoming:
In the Mirror of Time for clarinet, violin, and cello will be performed by members of the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra at on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at noon in the Community Gallery of the Allentown Art Museum in Allentown, PA.The performers will be Ryan Pereira, clarinet; Carolyn Gaul, violin; and Brannon Rovins, cello.
River Scenes for flute and harpsichord will be performed by flutist Dr. Kimberley Reighly and Tracy Richardson on harpsichord on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at noon at the First and Central Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Deleware as part of the Market Street Noon Series.
Recent:
Dances and Interludes for guitar and string quartet received its world premiere on March 26, 2024 by members of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra on the New Chamber Music Concert in the Auditorium of the Lehigh Valley High School for the Arts in Bethlehem, PA. The performers were John Arnold, guitar; violinists Eliezer Gutman and Inna Eyzerovich; violist Pamela Jacobson, and cellist Hikaru Tamaki.
Enigmatic Triptych for brass trio received its world premiere on March 18, 2024 by Profs. Daniel Cherry, trombone, Amy Cherry trumpet, and Elizabeth Pfaffle, horn on the Faculty Chamber Music Concert in Swope Hall at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
Saint Francis and the Animals for flute, clarinet, and harp was performed on January 28, 2024 at The Granite Theatre in Westerly, Rhode Island by members of the U.S. Coast Guard Band: MU1 Ryan Foley, flute; MU1 Taylor Isberg, clarinet; and MUC Megan Sesma, harp. The concert was also live-streamed.
Soundscapes for alto sax (doubling on tenor sax) and drum set was performed by saxophonist Dr. Barry McGinnis, and percussionist Dr. Cory High on January 15, 2024 during the Conference of the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors (NACWPI) hosted by the Frost School of Music of the University of Miami in Florida.
Midnight Omen for solo saxophone and Cadenzas and Interludes #1 for violin and alto sax both received their Europan premieres on November 28, 2023 by saxophonist Emma Nicòle Pigato and violinist Giovanni Scarpa in Crocetta del Montello in Italy as part of Università Popolare.
Alien Loop de Loops for horn and electronic recording by was performed by Alec Chinnery on November 19, 2023 in the McIntyre Recital Hall of the University of Central Washington in Ellensburg.
Glacial Vistas for flute, clarinet amd percussion was performed on November 18, 2023 by flutist, Rachael Harris, clarinetist Louise Pilaten, and percussionist Madison Keats at Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Sonatina of Remembrance for oboe and piano received its world premier on October 8, 2023 in the Philips Autograph Library at West Chester University in West Chester, PA. It was performed by Dr. Henry Grabb and Lotus Cheng on piano.
Three Contemplations for wind quintet received its world premier at on September 21, 2023 in the Rehearsal Hall Auditorium at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. It was performed by the UCF Faculty Wind Quintet.
Twilight Reverie for solo piano received its world premier at on September 21, 2023 in the Wiles Chapel at Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina. It was performed by Dr. Sarah Masterson.
Diversions for flute and trombone performed by Pamela De Sensi, flute, and Jón Halldór Finnsson, trombone on August 11, 2023 in the Dinghúsid Museum, Svalbardseyri, Svalbardsstrandarhreppur, Iceland as part of the Wind Works Music Festival.
At the 2023 National Flute Convention at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona three works were performed: Zephyrs of the Dawn for flute ensemble was played on Thursday, August 3 in 131ABC as part of workshop on flute choir music by Dr. Brian Luce. On Friday, August 4 in the Ballroom Lobby, Flutefinity, conducted by Dr. Brian Luce, performed Another World Stood Here for flute ensemble. On Saturday, August 5, Vibrant Horizons for flute and piano was performed by Dr. Brian Luce and pianist William Linthicum-Blackhorse in the 'Zona Art Space (224AB.)
Crystal Miniatures for clarinet and drumset received its world premier on July 9, 2023 at in the Westminster Ballroom at the Westin Westminster Hotel in Denver, Colorado during ClarinetFest. The work was performed by clarinetist Dr. Allison Storochuk and Jalan Jamal on drum set.
Commemoration for solo trumpet was performed by Cassandra McDonald on the opening concert of the Boston University Tanglewood Institute on June 19, 2023 at 7 PM in Trinity Church in Lenox, Massachusetts.
Alien Loop de Loops for horn and electronic recording was performed by Josh Olson on May 14, 2023 in the Gerald R. Daniel Recital Hall of the Bob Cole Conservatory at California State University, Long Beach.
Time Capsule for flute and trumpet was performed by Pamela Bereuter, flute; and Jeremy James Perkins, trumpet, on April 15, 2023 in the Dohnanyi Recital Hall at Florida State University in Tallahassee.
Ave Verum Corpus by Mozart, arranged by Howard J. Buss for trombone ensemble, was performed by the Grand Valley State University Trombone Choir on April 3, 2023 in the Louis Armstrong Theatre of the Haas Center for the Performing Arts, GVSU, Allendale, Michigan.
Cadenzas and Interludes #1 "Memories from the Isle of Mull" for violin and alto sax received its world premiere by Drs. Rachael Fischer, violin; and Stephen Fischer, saxophone on March 31, 2023 in the Marsh Auditorium at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg during the North American Saxophone Association Conference.
Soundscapes for alto sax (doubling on tenor sax) and drum set; Novella for alto sax and piano, Visitations from the Dark, for alto sax, bass clarinet, and piano, One Night for clarinet, tenor sax, and piano; and The Middle-aged Man and His Two Mistresses for baritone voice and alto sax was performed on an all-Buss concert by saxophonist Dr. Barry McGinnis and colleagues at Newberry College's Alumni Music Center in South Carolina on March 23, 2023. For the latter two works, it was their world premieres. Dr. McGinnis performed with Dr. Cory High on drumset, Dr. Zachary Bond on clarinet and bass clarinet, Alice Ramierez on piano, and Dr. Chris Sheppard, baritone voice.
Commemoration for solo trumpet was performed by Cassandra McDonald in the Marsh Chapel of Boston University on March 22, 2023.
Spring Reverie for bassoon, viola, and cello received its world premier on March 16, 2023 in the Millennium Theater of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. by members of the Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra: Christopher Jewell on bassoon; Phillipe Chao, viola; and Amy Frost Baumgarten, cello. A link to the archived concert is at https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/millennium-stage/2023/03-march/kcoho/
A Day in the City "7 Vignettes" for solo bass trombone was performed by Prof. William Rose on March 13, 2023 in the Squires Auditorium at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Alien Loop de Loops for trombone and electronic recording was performed by Lauren Galarraga in Studio T401 of the Boston Conservatory of Music at Berklee on March 12, 2023.
Alien Loop de Loops for bass trombone and electronic recording was performed by Amanda Rood on March 4, 2023 in the Recital Hall at the University of Lethbridge in Lethbridge, Canada.
On February 24, 2023 Radio Vatican dedicated more than 25 minutes to an interview about, and the broadcast of, Cosmic Portraits for flute, clarinet, alto sax, and tenor sax.To hear the podcast of the "Cosmic Portraits" segment visit Radio Vatican.The interview is in Italian and the first 25 1/2 minutes is dedicated to my composition. At times the interview talks over some of the music, but there are long uninterrupted passages of wonderful playing.
Island of Enchantment "5 Vignettes from Puerto Rico" for flute, clarinet, horn, bassoon, and piano received its world premier on the Camerata Caribe 40th Anniversary Concert on February 5, 2023 in San Juan, Puerto Rico at Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico, Teatro Bertita y Guillermo L. Martinez, Sala Jesus Maria Sanroma. The performers were Professors Josue Casillas, flute; Jesus Ramon, oboe; Kathleen Jones, clarinet; Joshua Pantoja, horn; Adam Havrilla, bassoon; and Pedro Juan Jimenez, piano.
In Memoriam for basset horn and piano was performed during the 2023 ICA Low Clarinet Festival by Dr. Keith Koons, basset horn; and Gail Novak, piano. Their performance was on January 8, 2023 in the Glendale Community College Recital Hall in Glendale, Arizona.
Ballad for tuba and piano by was performed by Bennett Walker, tuba, and Dr. Tammie Walker, piano, on November 1, 2022 in the Recital Hall at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.
Alien Loop de Loops for horn and electronic recording by was performed by Court Crocker on October 29, 2022 in Haddock Performance Hall at the University of Idaho in Moscow.
Concerto for Bassoon for bassoon and orchestra received its world premier on September 22, 2022 by bassoonist Dr. Keith Sweger and the Ball State Symphony Orchestra conducted by Greg Robbins in Sursa Performance Hall on the campus of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.
Tribute to Stephen Foster "A Medley of Six Favorites" for clarinet ensemble received its world premier by the Sunshine Clarinets (Keith Koons, Lynn Musco, Kevin Strang, Jessica Speak, and Eric Mandat) on September 11, 2022 at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
Sonata della speranza "Sonata of Hope" for bassoon and piano was performed by bassoonist Dr. Ann Shoemaker and pianist Hsiao-Ling Lin on July 28, 2022 in IMIG S134 during the IDRS 51st Conference hosted by the University of Colorado Boulder, College of Music.
Alien Loop de Loops for horn and electronic recording was performed on July 7, 2022 by Jefferson Montiel Mora in Maria Clara Cullell Hall at the University of Costa Rica in San José.
Alien Loop de Loops for trombone and electronic recording was performed on April 28, 2022 by Dr. John Lopez at Glenville State University in Glenville, West Virginia, on the GSU Alumni Concert.
Alien Loop de Loops for trombone and electronic recording was performed on April 27, 2022 by Mason Duplissie in the Dumke Recital Hall of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
On the Stroke of Midnight for solo trombone received its world premiere on April 5, 2022 by Dr. Brian Brink in Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida.
Sonata Lyrique for trombone and piano received its world premier on Saturday February 5, 2022 by trombonist Dr. Jemmie Robertson and pianist Brian Hargrove at BrassFest hosted by the University of Florida.
Dances and Interludes for solo guitar was performed by Dr. Robert Phillips on December 20, 2021 at Guitar Sarasota at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Sarasota, Florida.
Sonic Fables "Lessons from Aesop" for narrator, brass quintet and percussion was performed by the Granada Brass with Yolanda Chung on percussion on November 20, 2021 at Palacio de la Musica, Churriana De La Vega, in Granada, Spain. This was an Album Release Concert for the group's new album titled "20".
Time Capsule for flute and trumpet performed by Miranda Pham, flute, and Tlaloc Perales, trumpet, on November 14, 2021 in the Fine Arts Center, Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
Sonata della speranza "Sonata of Hope" for bassoon and piano received its world premiere by Dr. Ann Shoemaker, bassoon, and Dr. Rajung Yang, piano on November 1, 2021 in the Roxy Grove Recital Hall, Baylor University, Waco, TX.
Levi's Dream for trombone quartet was performed by Michelle Flowers and the Coal Hill Quartet on October 23, 2021 at Texas Woman's University during the national convention of the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors (NACWPI.)
A Day in the City "7 Vignettes" for solo bass trombone was perfomed by Spencer Butts, October 18, 2021 in the Squires Recital Hall of McNesse State University in Louisiana.
Divergences for clarinet and viola received its world premier by clarinetist Allison Storochuk and Kirsten Weingartner Weiss on viola during Virtual ClarinetFest of the International Clarinet Association on July 31, 2021.
Levi's Dream for trombone quartet was performed by Michelle Flowers (Prof. at Texas Women's Univ.) and the Coal Hill Quartet on July 14, 2021 at the International Trombone Festival hosted by Columbus State University in Georgia.The concert was in the Riverside Mainstage Theatre.
Color'tudes for bass clarinet and piano byreceived its world premier by Karl Kolbeck and Angela Miller-Niles at Wayne State College in Wayne Nebraka on April 23, 2021 at in the Ramsey Theatre in the Fine Arts Center.The concert was live and streamed online.
On the Stroke of Midnight for solo horn received its world premier on March 28, 2021 by Gene Berger at the Northeast Horn Workshop hosted by the West Virginia University School of Music.
Alien Loop de Loops for bass trombone and electronic recording and Zoom for bass trombone and harp were performed on March 6, 2021 by bass trombonist Lucas Kaspar, and harpist Chelsea Bushong in the University Theatre of Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma.
Tubaisms for solo tuba bywas performed on Sunday, February 7, 2021 by Phillip C. Black in Wiedemann Hall at Wichita State University.
A Day in the City for solo trombone by was performed by Donald Pinson on November 6, 2020 in the Wolfe Recital Hall of Del Mar College during the South Texas Brass Symposium.
Alien Loop de Loops for horn and electronic recording by was performed by Nicolas Gledhill on March 8, 2020 in the Concert Hall of the Moody Music Building at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
During the North American Saxophone Conference (March 6-9, 2020) hosted by Arizona State University were the 2 world premieres: Visitations from the Dark for alto sax, bass clarinet, and piano will be performed by Barry McGinnis, Karl Kolbeck and Sarah Masterson on March 8; and, Sonic Tapistries for violin, alto sax, and piano was performed by Rachel and Steven Fischer with Casey Dierlam Tse on piano on March 8.
Alpine Spring for flute and harp was performed by Meera Gudipati and Megan Sesma on the Spring Faculty Showcase in Evans Hall at Connecticut College in New London on February 21, 2020. The concert was live-streamed as well.
Reflections on the Last Post for tuba and band received its world premier on Febrary 8, 2020 by Ramon Garavito, Jr. and the United States Army Concert Band, "Pershing's Own", conducted by Scott McKenzie in the Laboda Studio of the Ft. Meyer Army Base. The concert was also live-streamed.
Totally Tubular for oboe/English horn and trumpet/Flugelhorn was performed by Lauren and Robert Murray on January 21, 2020 in the TECO Theatre of the Straz Center in Tampa and on February 1, 2020 at the Trumpet Festival of the Southeast in the Morgan Concert Hall of the Bailey Performance Center at Kennesaw State University in Georgia.
Howard J. Buss, Composer