Bassoon music
Solo bassoon, unaccompanied
Bassoon and one other instrument
Bassoon in chamber music

Bassoon and one other instrument

   BALLAD (2004) for bassoon and piano by Howard J. Buss. 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. (6’) Grade IV-V. B390 $10.00   To order
Ballad for bassoon and piano score sample: Excerpt.pdf (2 pages, 208KB)

   BEHIND THE INVISIBLE MASK (2006) for bassoon and one percussion by Howard Buss is a beautiful and compelling duo that mixes Buss’ unique style of soaring lyricism and exciting contrasts with intriguing rhythms. The title refers to the complex of emotions a person may experience while reconciling conflicts between his/her internal world and public role (invisible mask).The percussion set-up includes: marimba, temple blocks, bongos, tam-tam, bass drum, maracas, tambourine, suspended cymbals and agogo bells. This is a memorable and captivating feature number for advanced players. (11’45”) B407 Grade VI. $16.50 To order

   DISCOURSE for flute and bassoon by Edward Troupin.
Edward Troupin (1925-2004) enjoyed an international reputation as a composer of instrumental music. Throughout his long and illustrious career as a professor of music at Ithaca College and later the University of Florida, he inspired numerous young composers. Mr. Troupin received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University with a major in mathematics. Later he earned his master of music degree from the University of Michigan, where he studied with Ross Lee Finney. Troupin’s sound-world is dramatic and full of vitality. This entertaining duo is cast in five short and entertaining movements: Assertion, Reflection, Eulogy, Fantasy, and Comedy. The colorful and contrasting sections combine in charming balance to make a memorable concert feature. 2 scores included. (8’) Grade V. B705 $10.00 To order

   FABLES FROM AESOP (2001) by Howard J. Buss in 5 entertaining 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. The colorful and engaging music is idiomatic and sophisticated, yet it is accessible because of its strong programmatic nature. This piece is a hit with all types of audiences, including those comprised of children! It makes a great concert feature and also is highly effective on out-reach concerts in the schools. (13’) Grade V. for violin and bassoon B372 $12.95 To order
Fables from Aesop score samples:
Excerpt, Movement 1.pdf (2 pages, 192KB); (all will open with Acrobat Reader)
Excerpt, Movement 2.pdf (2 pages, 200KB);
Excerpt, Movement 3.pdf (2 pages, 180KB);
Excerpt, Movement 4.pdf (2 pages, 228KB);
Excerpt, Movement 5.pdf (2 pages, 280KB)

New! HATSHEPSUT'S CHANT AND DANCE (2008) for bassoon and piano by Robert Frank. Queen Hatshepsut was one of the most enigmatic and interesting figures in ancient Egyptian history. She was the only woman to ever rule as "pharaoh" at a time when only males were allowed to hold that position. For this reason she is often depicted in carvings and drawings of the period wearing a beard or a man's clothing. She also had a secret love affair with an architect named Senmut, who designed many beautiful buildings in her day, including the dramatic Deir El-Bahari temple carved out of a jagged cliff in Thebes. Since no music of that period survives, this work is an imagining of a secret chant and private dance Hatshepsut may have performed for Senmut. The work begins with strange and beguiling chants in the bassoon, including exotic "multiphonics." (Bassoon fingerings for the mutiphonics are included with the score and part.) These are accompanied in the piano with musical gestures reflecting the closing of large, stone,tomb doors, marches of the temple priests, and amagical sprinkling of ancient chords. The dance that follows is inn the spirit of the infamous "Dance of the Seven Veils," in which, during each section the female dancer sheds another layer of covering and increases the pace. beginning slowly, each of the seven sections build in peed and motion leader both the dancer and her audience into a furious, wild, spinning finale. (8') Grade V. B717 $15.00
Hatshepsut's Chant and Dance sound samples: Excerpt 1 (1.2MB); Excerpt 2 (1.2MB)

    IDYLLIC SUITE for oboe and bassoon by Roger Vogel is in four charming and entertaining movements and follows the format of a Baroque suite: Overture, Siciliana, Slow Tune and Gigue. It was written in 1976 for John Corina and James Burton and then revised and renotated in 2002. The title refers to the pastoral nature of the music. (11’20”) Grade IV-V. B923A $10.00 To order
Idyllic Suite Sound Samples:
Excerpt, Movement 1.mp3 (1020K); Excerpt, Movement 2.mp3 (920K);
Excerpt, Movement 3.mp3 (948K); Excerpt, Movement 4.mp3 (948K)

   THREE DANCES for clarinet and bassoon by Thomas Zugger in three movements : Jazz Waltz, Slow Dance, and Irish Jig. In this charming and entertaining work the composer envisions two people dancing with one another. The "lead" in each dance is shared in alternation between the two instrumentalists. The first movement, Jazz Waltz, is in ABA form with the middle section being a waltz in 4/4. The melody is introduced by the bassoon and is passed back and forth throughout. In the enchanting second movement, Slow Dance, the musical material undergoes continuous development with the equality of the parts being paramount. The energetic final movement, Irish Jig, opens with an intriguing mixed meter section which leads to the rousing jig. It concludes with an exciting and frenzied accelerando and fugue. This work is fun to perform and has a great audience appeal!  (11’30”)  Grade IV.  B740  $12.95  To order
Three Dances sound samples (clarinet and trombone version): Excerpt, Movement 1.mp3 (1.1MB);
Excerpt, Movement 2.mp3 (868KB): Movement 3.mp3 (1 MB)

   TIME CAPSULE (1996) for oboe and bassoon by Howard Buss is an entertaining sonatina in four movements: Daybreak, Chorale, Rendezvous, and Homeward Bound and is both fun to play and listen to. The first movement has a frolicking and optimistic character. Chorale breaks with the traditional structure of the chorale in that each phrase gets a measure longer. The harmonies of the second movement contain some spicy dissonances as well. Rendezvous, is in a lilting 6/8 and really "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 characterized by an intriguing interplay between the two instruments.  (7’) Grade III-IV. B350C $8.95 To order

   CANZONA by Florentio Maschera (1540-1584) transcribed by Howard J. Buss. This late Renaissance work is written in a stirring imitative style. It makes an outstanding feature number for a recital as well as a wonderful musical offering in church. (2’30”) Grade III. version for 4 bassoons B1013 $7.95 To order
2-page score sample.pdf file (will open with Acrobat Reader)

   CONTRASTS IN BLUE for oboe, bassoon, and piano by Howard J. Buss. A dramatic and colorful work in two picturesque movements: Evening Shadows and Summer Sea. The music is 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. This composition is a “must” for advanced players! (15’30”) Grade V. B376 $24.00 To order
Contrasts in Blue score samples:
Excerpt, Movement 1.pdf (3 pages, 463KB); Excerpt, Movement 2.pdf (3 pages, 498KB)

   DESERT ODYSSEY (1997) for clarinet, bassoon and piano by Howard J. Buss. Although there is no specific program involved in this music, it does nevertheless have a strong narrative quality. Because the continuous development of material takes the form of a chain of episodes, the music exhibits some of the attributes one might associate with a journey through the spectacular and awe-inspiring landscapes of the desert Southwest. Beautiful, lyrical sections contrast with intense and dramatic passages in this colorful work. Desert Odyssey was commissioned by The International Clarinet Association and was premiered at the organization’s ClarinetFest 1997 hosted by Texas Tech University. The performers were Marguerite Baker, clarinet; Richard Meek, bassoon; and Jennifer Garrett, piano. (11’ ) Grade V. B357  $18.50 To order
Desert Odyssey Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3 (940KB); Excerpt 2.mp3 (915KB);
Excerpt 3.mp3 (899KB); Excerpt 4 (the ending).mp3 (675KB)
Desert Odyssey score samples (score in C):
Excerpt 1.pdf (3 pages, 324KB); Excerpt 2.pdf (3 pages, 508KB); Excerpt 3.pdf (2 pages, 336KB)

   THE DEVIL’S SONGBOOK “Eight Irreverent Songs” (1993) for medium or high voice, bassoon (or cello or contrabass) and piano by Roger C. Vogel is based upon humorous texts which explore the nature of various aspects of human nature. The songs are entitled Of Politicians (lyrics by William Shakespeare and Hilaire Belloc), Of Businessmen (lyrics by Mark Twain), Of Critics and Music (lyrics by Robert F. Murray, Charles Lamb, and the composer), Of Vanity (lyrics by James Thomson), Of Attorneys (lyrics derived from an anonymous quote on the Headstone of Mr. Jonathan Gill, Esq. who died February 6, 1751), Of the Media (lyrics by Humbert Wolfe), Of Vanity (anonymous lyrics), and Of Celebration (lyrics by Dorothy Parker).(20’15”) Grade V. B901 $30.00 To order
The Devil’s Song Book Sound Samples: Of Politicians, Excerpt 1.mp3 (1MB);
Of Attorneys, Excerpt 2 .mp3 (1.2MB;
Of Businessmen, Excerpt 3.mp3 (961KB);
Of the Media, Excerpt 4.mp3 (986KB);
Of Critics and Music, Excerpt 5.mp3 (836KB);
Of Virtue, Excerpt 6.mp3 (1.1MB);
Of Vanity, Excerpt 7.mp3 (1.1MB);
Of Celebration, Excerpt 8.mp3 (1MB)

   DRY BONES, the well-known African American spiritual (the foot bone's connected to the leg bone, the leg bone's connected to the...), arranged for woodwind quartet (flute, clarinet, oboe, and bassoon) by Howard Buss, makes a wonderful concert feature as well as a rousing musical offering in church. Multiple players may be used on each part to expand the ensemble. This arrangement is hugely influenced by jazz. The composer wrote an extended two-part introduction which begins hymn-like, and then breaks out in a jubilant jazzy section. This is followed by a more traditional rendering of the spiritual; however, as the music reaches its climax, the jazz "licks" from the introduction are brought back as counterpoint against the main melody of the spiritual. The result is exhilarating, and for a bit of humor, just as the work ends, there is a "tongue-in-cheek" plagal cadence. (2’30”) Grade IV.  B1018  $8.95 To order

   FANTASY QUARTET (2003) for flute, clarinet, bassoon and marimba (plays also temple blocks) by Scott Jordan in 3 entertaining movements: Pixie Dance, Magic Forest, and Sprites. The first movement is a spirited, playful forest scene which employs contrasting metric feels simultaneously The Second evokes a mysterious nocturnal ambience with an overlapping of ethereal long tones and echoes. The third is quick and dance-like. Utilizing a 4-note scale, its colorful, rhythmic melodies are juggled among the 4 instruments. (11’) Grade V. B761 $34.50 To order
Fantasy Quartet Sound Samples:
Excerpt, Movement 1.mp3 (924K), Excerpt movement 2.mp3 (950K),
Excerpt, Movement 3.mp3 (984K)

    FUGUE AND POSTLUDE (1987,1995) for flute, bassoon and piano by Haskell Small combines a fugue, an older, more serious form of Baroque origin, with a thoroughly modern piece written in a free-wheeling, urban style of jazz. Regarding the contrasting characters of the two movements, the composer states, “The postlude includes a reference to the fugue’s subject, but cannot sustain a properly serious attitude, quickly dissolving back into jazz.” The world premiere of Fugue and Postlude was performed on October 3, 1995 in Tokyo, Japan by flutist Yoshiko Ohta, Bassoonist Shigeru Ohta, and the composer on the piano. Haskell Small has been hailed by the Washington Post for his "rich imagination and assured mastery." Recorded on the 4Tay Records CD “Twisted Pine Branch” (8’) Grade V. B605 $16.50 To order
Fugue and Postlude Sound Samples:
Excerpt, movement 1.mp3 (1.1MB); Excerpt, movement 2.mp3 (1.1MB)

    FIVE STARS (2004) for wind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn, and bassoon) by Howard J. Buss was composed for the Pegasus Wind Quintet. Each of the five picturesque movements features a different member of the ensemble: I. Into the Maelstrom (3’03”) features the flute Sound Sample Mov.#1.mp3 (780K), II. A Distant Glow (4’20”) features the French horn Sound Sample Mov.#2.mp3 (1008K), III. Orbits (3’20”) features the oboe Sound Sample Mov.#3.mp3 (892K), IV. The Message from the Eternal Sea (3:15) features the bassoon Sound Sample Mov.#4.mp3 (1MB), and V. Dance of the Stars (3’10”) features the clarinet Sound Sample Mov.#5.mp3 (896K). This exquisite work is sophisticated, yet audience-friendly. It is a “must” for the advanced quintet. Total performance time @ 17’10” Grade V-VI. B393 $36.00 To order

New! THE HEAVENS AWAKEN (2008) for solo bassoon and string quartet by Howard J. Buss is dedicated to bassoonist Arnold Irchai. The structure of this exciting work is highly symbolic in that it was inspired by the details of the visions of the priest Ezekiel while living with the Jewish exiles in Babylon. Ezekiel saw a powerful, glowing, and complex entity appear in the sky out of a “great cloud.” He believed it to be an appearance of God: “Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.” (Ezekiel 1:5 KJV) The formal scheme of The Heavens Awaken is programmatic in the sense that the sequence of events described in the vision is musically represented in a general way. The serene opening gradually becomes mysterious and gives way to a series of passages that serve as an ominous portent to the arrival of the airborne object. The 4 string instruments, each with 4 strings, 4 tuning pegs, and human-like body shape symbolize the 4 “creatures” of the vision. The bassoon represents the “voice” of what Ezekiel believes is God. It should be noted that many people also have interpreted his vision as a sighting of a UFO, described with the insights and vocabulary of the day. “This significant new addition to the bassoon and string quartet literature is a “must for the advanced bassoonist!”  (12’30”)  Grade V-VI.  B415  $28.50  To order
The Heavens Awaken sound samples: Excerpt 1.mp3 (1.4MB); Excerpt 2.mp3 (1.4MB); Exerpt 3.mp3 (1.1MB)

   INTRODUCTION AND DANCE (1964) for wind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and French horn) by Edward Troupin (1925-2004). Mr. Troupin enjoyed an international reputation as a composer of instrumental music. Throughout his long and illustrious career as a professor of music at Ithaca College and later the University of Florida, he inspired numerous young composers. Mr. Troupin received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University with a major in mathematics. Later he earned his master of music degree from the University of Michigan, where he studied with Ross Lee Finney.
   Troupin’s sound-world is dramatic and full of vitality. His Introduction and Dance for wind quintet was composed in 1964. In this entertaining and delightful composition the colorful and contrasting sections combine in charming balance to make a memorable concert feature. Because of the character of the music Introduction and Dance also makes a rousing encore and an effective contest piece. (5’) Grade IV. B703 $10.00 To order
Introduction and Dance Sound Sample: Excerpt.mp3 (1.2MB)

   LULLABY OF THE SEA (2002) for oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, and bassoon by Robert J. Frank. This charming reed quartet was inspired by the gently undulating waves, shimmering moonlight on the surface, and gentle brezzes of the ocean on a quiet evening in a warm, tropical part of the world. Rolling gestures in the accompaniment compliment the gentle melodic theme, with the occasional call of the seagull. As the work draws to a close, the wind and waves still, lulling the final saxophone melody into blissful sleep. (2’) Grade IV.  B714  $8.95 To order

   NIGHT WINDS (1994) for wind quintet and saxophone (flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, French horn and alto sax) by Roger Vogel. This highly dramatic work is suggestive of the dark and somber quality of the themes and textures used throughout. The alto saxophone has been added to the traditional wind quintet and is treated as an integral member of the group. This composition is cyclic in form and is cast in a multi-sectional single movement: there are three slow sections that alternate with two faster ones. Night Winds was completed in 1994 and is dedicated to the musicians that premiered it: by Ronald Waln, flute; Dwight Manning, oboe; Theodore Jahn, clarinet; Jean Martin horn; William Davis, bassoon; and Ken Fischer, alto saxophone. (12’30”) Grade V. B904 $28.50 To order
Night Winds Sound Samples: Excerpt 1 (the beginning).mp3 (1.1MB); Excerpt 2.mp3 (1.1MB);
Excerpt 3 (the ending).mp3 (962KB)

New! PRELUDE AND INTRADA (2007) for bassoon quartet (or ensemble) by Howard J. Buss. This attractive quartet features lyrical writing, and spirited rhythmic drive. The Prelude is an interesting combination of fanfare and lyrical sections as well as tonal and polytonal harmonies. The festive Intrada is in an ABA-Coda format and features crisp, energetic rhythms and lyrical contrapuntal writing. It works well as a memorable feature number or an impressive contest piece. Multiple players may be used on each part to expand the ensemble. (5’15”) Grade V. B409B $12.95 To order

New! PRELUDE AND INTRADA for woodwind quartet (flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon) by Howard J. Buss. This attractive quartet features lyrical writing, and spirited rhythmic drive. The Prelude combines fanfare and lyrical sections as well as tonal and polytonal harmonies. The festive Intrada is in an ABA-Coda format and features crisp, energetic rhythms and lyrical contrapuntal writing. This is a memorable feature number or an impressive contest piece. Multiple players may be used on each part.. (5’30”)  Grade V.  B409W  $16.00  To order

   RICERCARE ON C by Andrea Gabrieli (1510-1586) transcribed by Howard J. Buss. This late Renaissance work is written in a stirring imitative style. Particularly interesting are the meter changes involving metric modulations, a trait found in much of the dance music of the day. It makes an outstanding feature number for a recital as well as a wonderful musical offering in church. (2’30”) Grade III. version for 4 bassoons B1012 $7.95 To order
2-page score sample.pdf file (will open with Acrobat Reader)

   SUITE TIME (1974) for flute, clarinet, and bassoon by Zack Browning in four movements: Imaginary Time, Real Time, Easy Time, and Hard Time. As the "tongue-in- cheek" titles of the work and movements suggest, this is a work that is both fun to play and listen to. Written in a conservative yet fanciful modern style, there is a charming balance between unity and contrast throughout. This is a real audience pleaser! (11’) Grade IV-V. B204 $18.50 To order
Suite Time Sound Samples:
Excerpt, Movement 1.mp3 (833KB); Excerpt, Movement 2.mp3 (942KB);
Excerpt, Movement 3.mp3 (703KB); Excerpt, Movement 4.mp3 (767KB)

   TWO MODERN MOTETS (2005) for wind quintet by Peter Rothbart was written while he was intensively studying sixteenth century motets. Intrigued by the contrapuntal nature of the genre with its simultaneous interconnectedness and independence of the lines, the composer wrote the first movement, alla Stile Antico, with this in mind.  The second movement, alla Stravinsky, was influenced by Rothbart’s long-time fascination with Igor Stravinsky’s neo-classical works. In particular, he was inspired by Stravinsky’s extraordinary sense of balanced form, combined with modern rhythms and melodies. The two movements of this exciting quintet complement one another beautifully. Two Modern Motets makes a brilliant concert feature as well as an impressive contest piece.  (4’30”) Grade V. B210 $24.50 To order
Two Modern Motets sound samples: Excerpt, Movement 1.mp3 (1.2MB); Excerpt, Movement 2.mp3 (1.1MB)

    VILLAGE SCENES (2004) for oboe, clarinet and bassoon by Howard Buss is a charming and colorful work inspired by the composer’s childhood memories of the village of Old Zionsville in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. The music is sophisticated, yet accessible, and makes a wonderful recital feature. The three picturesque movements are entitled: I. Playground Games, The Church By the Spring, and The Arrival of Winter. (7’16”) Grade V. B395 $18.50 To order
Village Scenes score samples (score in C): Excerpt, Movement 1.pdf (2 pages, 308KB);
Excerpt, Movement 2.pdf (1 page, 140KB); Excerpt, Movement 3.pdf (2 pages, 272KB)

   WINTER WINDS for flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon by Roger Vogel reflects the vivid contrasts of winter - from the soft winds that accompany falling snow, to the sharp winds that chill to the bone. Recorded on the CD Sunlight and Shadows by the University of Georgia Woodwind Quartet - ACA-CM20085. (15’15”)  Grade V. B921 $28.50 To order
Winter Winds Sound Samples:
Excerpt, Movement 1A.mp3 (1MB); Excerpt, Movement 1B.mp3 (1.1MB);
Excerpt, Movement 2A.mp3 (1MB); Excerpt, Movement 2B.mp3 (999K)

To order

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