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What's New!
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During 2022 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)
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
ISLAND OF ENCHANTMENT “5 Vignettes from Puerto Rico” for flute, clarinet, French horn, bassoon, and piano was written during the summer of 2022 for clarinetist Dr. Kathleen Jones and the 40th Anniversary of Camerata Caribe of San Juan, Puerto Rico. An English horn may be used as a substitute for the French horn. Camerata Caribe premiered the work on February 5, 2023 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The five movements are: Sunrise Paints the Land, To the Shore “Arecibo”, Glowing Water “La Parguera”, The Rain Forest “El Yunque”, and Mongoosian Intrigues.
(12') Grade V-VI. Score sample: Excerpts.pdf - Video on YouTube
Sound samples: Movement_1.mp3; Movement_2.mp3;
Movement_3.mp3; Movement_4.mp3; Movement_5.mp3
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
SUITE AMICI for flute/alto flute and oboe/English horn was composed for Amici Musicale of the University of South Florida in Tampa: Drs. Francesca Arnone, flutes; and Amy Collins, oboe/English horn. The five movements are Prelude; First Encounter; Romance;
Second Encounter; and Reverie, Third Encounter. (12')
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
CONCERTO FOR BASSOON AND ORCHESTRA was written for bassoonist, Dr. Keith Sweger, and premiered by him and the Ball State Symphony Orchestra in 2022. The two movements, Reminiscences and Excursions, span a wide range of moods and timbral atmospheres, ranging from lyric tenderness to forceful, aggressive sections. This work is also published for bassoon and piano. (19’) Grade V-VI.
Video on YouTube - Score sample: Excerpts.pdf
Sound Samples: Movement 1: Excerpt 1.mp3, Excerpt 2.mp3, Excerpt 3.mp3;
Movement 2: Excerpt 1.mp3, Excerpt 2.mp3, Excerpt 3.mp3
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN FOSTER “A Medley of Six Favorites” arranged for five clarinets by Howard J. Buss. (Scored for Eb, two Bb, and two Bb bass clarinets - an optional Bb part is included as a substitute for bass clarinet 1.) Stephen Collins Foster (1826-1864) is often referred to as “the father of American music.” Many of his songs serve as a window into the spirit of America in his day. Others are exquisitely sentimental. Whether or not one approves of the lyrics of his minstrel songs, the enduring beauty and vitality of his melodies cannot be denied. In addition to the six Foster songs in this arrangement, Buss interjects two other well-known melodies: The “First Call” bugle call is woven into the tapestry of Camptown Races” and “The Girl I Left Behind Me” serves as a partner song to “Ring, Ring, the Banjo.”
I. “Old Black Joe” (2’)
II. “Camptown Races” (1’40”)
III. “Beautiful Dreamer” (2’15”)
IV. “Old Folks at Home” also known as “Swanee River” (2’12”)
V. “Ring, Ring the Banjo” – “Oh, Susannah!” (2’41”)
The movements may be played individually or in smaller groupings. The total duration is about 11’ without pauses between the movements. Grade V.
Score sample: Excerpts.pdf
Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3.mp3;
Music available from Cimarron Music Press
Concerts of Note:
Crystal Miniatures for clarinet and drumset will receive its world premier on July 9, 2023 at 11:30AM in the Westminster Ballroom at the Westin Westminster Hotel in Denver, Colorado during ClarinetFest. The work will be performed by clarinetist Dr. Allison Storochuk and a percussionist TBA. Crystal Miniatures will be published during the late summer by Cimarron Music Press (Brixton Publications.)
Enigmatic Triptych for brass trio will receive its world premier on August, 26, 2023 on the Faculty Showcase Concert at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. The concert will be at 7:30 PM in Branscomb Auditorium. It will be performed by professors Matt Pieper, trumpet; Richard Sparrow, horn; and Dr. Brian Brink, trombone. Enigmatic Triptych will be published during the late summer by Cimarron Music Press (Brixton Publications.)
Three Contemplations for wind quintet will receive its world premier at on September 21, 2023 at 7:30 PM in the Rehearsal Hall Auditorium at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. It will be performed by the UCF Faculty Wind Quintet. Three Contemplations will be published during the late summer by Cimarron Music Press (Brixton Publications.)
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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.
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 Thursday, 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 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.
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