Brass

These colorful unaccompanied musical scenes from the city are excellent study and recital pieces.The 7 short movements depict the composer's experiences during a visit to New York City. The movements are Another Sunrise, Off to a Busy Day, The Lost Key Episode, The Waitin' in Line Blues, Romantic Interlude, Sudden Storm, and Out on the Town. "Tonal, charming and imaginative! The low purchase price and the incisive approach of a skilled composer make this a piece worth seeking out.”- PMEA News Learn More

These colorful unaccompanied musical scenes from the city are excellent study and recital pieces.The 7 short movements depict the composer's experiences during a visit to New York City. The movements are Another Sunrise, Off to a Busy Day, The Lost Key Episode, The Waitin' in Line Blues, Romantic Interlude, Sudden Storm, and Out on the Town. "Tonal, charming and imaginative! The low purchase price and the incisive approach of a skilled composer make this a piece worth seeking out.”- PMEA News

 

For Bassoon, Trombone or Euphonium.

Learn More

ALIEN LOOP DE LOOPS for solo instrument and electronic recording by Howard J. Buss is a playful and capricious fantasy piece designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences. The title refers to both programmatic and technical elements in the composition. The composer envisioned a performer outside in an open area during an air show by an alien craft. During the opening section he/she is playing 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 and picturesque sonic tapestry. The publication includes the sheet music and a CD (attached to the inside of the back cover) that contains a performance track and the accompaniment track. Learn More

ALIEN LOOP DE LOOPS for solo instrument and electronic recording by Howard J. Buss is a playful and capricious fantasy piece designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences. The title refers to both programmatic and technical elements in the composition. The composer envisioned a performer outside in an open area during an air show by an alien craft. During the opening section he/she is playing 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 and picturesque sonic tapestry. The publication includes the sheet music and a CD (attached to the inside of the back cover) that contains a performance track and the accompaniment track. Learn More

ALIEN LOOP DE LOOPS for solo instrument and electronic recording by Howard J. Buss is a playful and capricious fantasy piece designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences. The title refers to both programmatic and technical elements in the composition. The composer envisioned a performer outside in an open area during an air show by an alien craft. During the opening section he/she is playing 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 and picturesque sonic tapestry. The publication includes the sheet music and a CD (attached to the inside of the back cover) that contains a performance track and the accompaniment track. Learn More

Written for Stefan Sanders, then bass trombonist with the Buffalo Philharmonic, and the 30th Anniversary of the International Trombone Association. In 3 movements, this colorful work was composed immediately following the important world events of September 11, 2001. It was premiered by Mr. Sanders and members of the University of North Texas Percussion Ensemble at the 2002 International Trombone Festival in Denton, Texas. It is in 3 movements: In Remembrance 9/11/01, Repercussions, and Renewal. Percussion Distribution - Percussion 1: Xylophone, tubular bells (chimes), suspended cymbal, snare drum, police whistle, and Chinese bell tree; Percussion 2: Vibraphone, 2 suspended cymbals, 4 tom toms, bongos, and wood block; Percussion 3: Marimba, tam-tam, lion roar, ratchet, slapstick, wind chimes, and suspended cymbal; Percussion 4: Marimba (to low A), timpani (4), tambourine, 2 cowbells, and suspended cymbal. "Buss’ melodies vary. They are mystic, poignant, heroic, often modal, and at times reminiscent of folk songs. He writes for the percussion ensemble with mastery and features a wide range of instruments. The sound landscape is rich with many moods and timbres. American Phoenix is an attractive addition to a solo program or as a feature piece for a percussion recital. It is rewarding for both performer and audience.” - The ITA Journal, January 2005 Learn More

with Piano; This beautiful piece radiates a sensuous lyricism and and nostalgic mood. The structure of the work is A-B-A-Coda, the A section is melodious, flowing, and expressive. The B section is more animated and has a playful nature. This is a “must” for your next recital or competition. Learn More

An evocative, entertaining work in which both performers recite the text during performance. Cast in 4 movements: Boomers!, Thoughts of Grey, Trombone Magic, and Wild Nights, it addresses humankind’s relationship to technology in the modern world. The instrumentation includes tomtoms, cymbals, wood block, wind chimes, tam-tam, bell tree, triangle, bass drum, tambourine, hi-hat, whip, vibraslap, bells and vibraphone. Commissioned by and premiered at the 1998 International Trombone Festival. Learn More

Musical “cascades” rush forth from one another throughout in this exciting new work. Cascades is divided into three main sections. A fast energetic opening eventually gives way to a slower section before the opening mood returns in increasing intensity to the rousing conclusion. This accessible composition makes an outstanding contest piece, feature number, or because of its character, a dashing encore. Learn More

with Orchestra: 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. Learn More

"Concerto for Euphonium" for euphonium and piano by Howard J. Buss was composed during 2016 and 2017 and is dedicated to Patrick Nyren. This work was created in two versions – one for euphonium and piano, and the other for euphonium and orchestra. (The euphonium and orchestra version will be published at some point in the future.) Cast in two movements, Reminiscences and Excursions, the music spans a wide range of moods and timbral atmospheres, ranging from lyric tenderness to forceful, aggressive sections. The piano score and solo part is included. (19’) Grade V-VI. Learn More

for Trumpet, Horn and Trombone

Enigmatic Triptych for trumpet, horn, and trombone by Howard J. Buss 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. To reveal much more regarding the enigmatic connotations of the work would lessen the intrigue. The titles of the movements, Sanguine, Mystic, and Eccentric, may offer the listener some clues as to the “riddle” behind the music. Enigmatic Triptych received its world premier on March 18, 2024 in the Performing Arts Center of West Chester University of Pennsylvania by Dr. Amy Cherry, trumpet, Dan Cherry trombone; and Elizabeth Pfaffle, horn.

 

Learn More

with Piano: Hard-driving funk and off-beat reggae passages are contrasted with lyrical lines derived from a twelve-tone set. This unusual combination of styles creates an energetic and volatile setting for the performers, who must switch from one style to another within the course of the composition. The result is an entertaining and memorable work which is fun to perform. For the Funk of It was written for and premiered by Fritz Kaenzig of the University of Michigan. Learn More

Trombone/Euphonium and BassTrombone/Tuba: A vibrant and colorful sonatina This picturesque composition is in 4 movements: Aggressive, Contemplative, Buoyant, and Energetic. The playful, yet sophisticated character of the music makes this an entertaining, audience-friendly work. Learn More

Originally for bass trombone (or tuba) and piano, was composed for Charles Vernon, bass trombonist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the 30th Anniversary of the International Trombone Festival. This significant addition to the repertoire is written in an accessible modern style. The musical language is sophisticated, yet appealing to general audiences. Illuminations is cast in 2 contrasting movements: The first, Reverie, is contemplative and lyrical. Beautiful, expansive melodic lines are woven into a gentle, almost mystical, musical fabric. The second movement, Urban Lights, is an energetic rondo that is strongly influenced by jazz, and in one section, funk music. “Thoughtful, tuneful, and rewarding to perform.” – ITA Journal Learn More

with Piano: Commissioned for Charles Vernon, bass trombonist with the Chicago Symphony, and the 30th Anniversary of the International Trombone Festival. It is in 2 engaging movements: Reverie and Urban Lights. The first movement is lyrical and contemplative in nature, the second is a frolicking rondo which is hugely influenced by jazz and, in one section, funk music. This is a “must” for your next recital! This work is also available in a version for bass trombone and band. Playable on tuba. Learn More

with Piano: Imaginations showcases the agility and beautiful, sonorous tone of the horn, trombone, and piano ensemble. 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. The sophisticated musical language, coupled with the soaring melodies and intriguing rhythms, make this a significant, audience-friendly concert work. Imaginations was composed for Gene Berger, horn; John Seidel, trombone; and Elizabeth Seidel, piano. Learn More

INTERSTELLAR for horn, tuba and electronic recording by Howard J. Buss, in 3 movements, Reaching Beyond, Lonely and Turbulence, is part of a series of works by the composer inspired by space travel and exploration. The recording (CD included with the sheet music) contains the sounds of traditional instruments, electronic effects, and actual sounds from space collected by NASA. Learn More

with Piano: 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 of this work is the resultant this procedure. Because the subject of what constitutes jazz (there are so many kinds) is so complex, depending upon the background and views of the listener, the music will sound jazzy (in varying degrees) to most, and mostly classical to others. Learn More

JAZZICAL #5 for euphonium, tuba and piano by Howard J. Buss, was written for Gail Robertson and Stacy Baker for ITEC 2016. This engaging work juxtaposes technical and spiritual elements of jazz and classical music Learn More