French Horn music
Solo French Horn - unaccompanied
French Horn with one other instrument
French horn ensembles
French Horn in chamber music (including brass trios, quartets, and quintets)

Solo French horn - unaccompanied
   A DAY IN THE CITY “7 Vignettes” (1986) for solo French horn by Howard J. Buss. These colorful musical scenes from the city are excellent study and recital pieces. Each movement is given a title which depicts an occurrence which the composer experienced one day in 1982 during a visit to New York City. The movements are Another Sunrise (based upon an early morning excursion to Central Park to witness the rising of the sun over the buildings); Off to a Busy Day (driving in heavy traffic, zigzagging around to avoid "crazy" drivers); The Lost Key Episode (the composer lost his car keys, but the key of the music is lost too); The Waitin' in Line Blues (an actual blues progression during which the performer alternates between playing with a straight tone and a heavy, obnoxious "corny" vibrato to show frustration at being stuck in a slow-moving line); Romantic Interlude (a beautiful, melodious and flowing waltz); Sudden Storm (getting caught up in a raging thunderstorm); and Out on the Town (has a cheerful Latin feel and breaks into swing as it reaches its climax). "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  (10’)  Grade IV. B303  $6.95  To order

French Horn with one other instrument

New! BALLAD for French horn and piano by Howard J. Buss. This beautiful piece radiates a sensuous lyricism and a 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.   B390FH   $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 French horn B371 $12.95 To order
Fables from Aesop score samples (transposed score):
Excerpt, Movement 1.pdf (2 pages, 196KB); Excerpt, Movement 2.pdf (2 pages, 200KB);
Excerpt, Movement 3.pdf (2 pages, 260KB); Excerpt, Movement 4.pdf (2 pages, 256KB);
Excerpt, Movement 5.pdf (2 pages, 284KB)

   IN MEMORIAM (2006) for French horn and piano by Howard Buss is a sonic tribute to the millions of soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in time of war. The 2 movements of this captivating and powerful work are loosely programmatic and reflect the sentiments poems penned in response to “the war to end all wars” (WWI): In Flanders Fields and In Flanders Fields (An Answer). The music covers a wide range of moods, from lyric nostalgia to aggressive forcefulness. (11’)  Grade V-VI.  B410  $15.00  To order
In Memoriam Sound Samples: Excerpt, Movement 1A.mp3 (1MB); Excerpt, Movement 1B.mp3 (the ending) (812KB);
Excerpt, Movement 2A.mp3 (the beginning) (940KB); Excerpt, Movement 2B.mp3 (1MB);
Excerpt, Movement 2C.mp3 (the ending) (872KB)
In Memoriam Print Samples:
Score sample (in C), movement 1.pdf (2 pages, 368KB): Score sample (in C), movement 2.pdf (3 pages, 608KB);
Horn part sample (in F), movement 1.pdf (1 page, 124KB); Horn part sample (in F), movement 2.pdf (1 page, 136KB)

New! TIME CAPSULE for 2 French horns by Howard J. Buss is an entertaining sonatina in 4 movements: Daybreak, Chorale, Rendezvous, and Homeward Bound and is both fun to play and listen to. Daybreak 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. Homeward Bound, begins with a fanfare-like passage that gives way to a spirited dance with an intriguing interplay between the 2 instruments. (7’) Grade III-IV. B350H $8.95  To order

French horn ensembles:

New! AVE VERUM CORPUS by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, arranged by Howard Buss for 4 French horns, was one of the last works composed by this Classical master. An exquisite addition to any recital, it is especially effective in a church setting. Each part may use multiple performers to create a larger ensemble. (3’30”)  Grade II.  B1024H $7.95  To order

New! CANZONA by Florentio Maschera (1540-1584) arranged by Howard J. Buss. for 4 French horns. This uplifting composition is written in the imitative style from the exciting period bridging the Renaissance and Baroque eras. It is a stirring addition to any recital, and is especially effective in a church setting. Multiple performers may be used on each part to create a larger ensemble. (2’15”) Grade II.  B1013H  $8.95  To order

   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 by Howard Buss, makes a memorable 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”)
- Version for four French horns  Grade IV.  B1020  $8.95  To order;
- Version for brass quartet (2-1-1 or 2-0-2). Grade IV. B1015  $8.95  To order

New! PRELUDE AND INTRADA for 4 French horns 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.. (5’15”)  Grade V.  B409H  $12.95  To order

New! RICERCARE by Andrea Gabriel (1510-1586) transcribed for 4 French horns by Howard J. Buss. Written in the imitative style of the late Renaissance, this cheerful work makes an excellent concert feature or a stirring offering in church. Particularly memorable are the metric modulations, a feature common in the dance music of the day. Each part may use multiple performers to create a larger ensemble. (2’30”) Grade III. B1012H  $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 brass quartet (2-1-1 or 2-0-2) part 3 of the music can be played by either a trombone or a French horn B1011 $7.95  To order

New! CASCADES for brass quintet (2-1-1-1) by Roger  C. Vogel. 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. (4’) Grade IV-V. B928  $15.00  To order

   CHROMATIC FANTASY (1997) for brass quintet (2-1-1-1) by Howard J. Buss was composed for the United States Air Force Brass Quintet. This exciting and engaging“tour de force” is a riveting excursion through driving ostinati and sparkling chromatic flourishes. Chromatic Fantasy was premiered by the U.S.A.F. Brass Quintet at the Eastern Trombone Workshop hosted by the U.S. Army Band in Ft. Meyer, VA. (8’) Grade V-VI. B356  $18.50 To order
Chromatic Fantasy Sound Samples: Excerpt 1 (the opening).mp3 (1MB); Excerpt 2.mp3 (984KB)

   CONCORD (1990) for brass quintet (2-1-1-1) by Howard J. Buss teems with the vitality of youth. Lyrical passages are juxtaposed with fanfare-like sections to create a dramatic and festive atmosphere. Written for the opening of a performing arts high school in Florida, this exciting composition was winner of the 1991 “Erik Satie Award” of New York City. This significant addition to the repertoire makes a great contest piece or rousing feature number.(6’)  Grade V. B313  $18.50  To order
Concord Sound Samples:
Sample 1.mp3 (1MB) Sample 2.mp3 (1.2MB) Sample 3.mp3 (412K)

   DIVERTIMENTO (1969) for trumpet, trombone, and French horn by Edward Troupin. Troupin’s sound-world is dramatic and full of vitality. His Divertimento for trumpet, trombone, and French horn was composed in 1969. In this entertaining and delightful brass trio the beautiful and lyrical Andante is surrounded by brilliant, energetic movements. The colorful and contrasting sections within each movement combine in charming balance to make a memorable concert feature. (9’) Grade IV-V. B702  $16.00  To order

   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 by Howard Buss, makes a memorable 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”)
- Version for four French horns  Grade IV.  B1020  $8.95 To order;
- Version for brass quartet (2-1-1 or 2-0-2). Grade IV. B1015  $8.95 To order

   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

   FUGA VII (from the Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2) by Johann Sebastian Bach for brass quartet (two B-flat trumpets, French horn, and trombone), transcribed by Howard J. Buss. This outstanding transcription is particularly appropriate for performance in church. (3’)  Grade III. B1001  $7.95  To order

   INTRODUCTION AND DANCE (1964) for 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)

   NIGHT WINDS (1994) for 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)

   PASSAGE TO EDEN (2001) for clarinet, French horn, and piano by Howard J. Buss. This dramatic and colorful work is cast in 4 continuous movements. The mood of the first is of ominous significance, as if one was preparing to embark on an arduous journey. The music is lyrical, yet contains an undercurrent of tension and anticipation. The second movement is characterized by a contrapuntal dialogue between the clarinet and the horn over a driving ostinato in the piano. This section is hugely influenced by jazz. The lyrical and animated counterpoint sounding over the running bass line and chord punctuations in the keyboard gradually give way to a section of turbulence which serves as a transition to the relative calm of the following movement.The third movement, in 6/8 meter, has an easy flowing vitality. There is a silvery brilliance to the music with a hint of nostalgia. The interweaving melodic strands grow increasingly romantic in quality and then, quite suddenly, give way to a developmental passage which builds in intensity and expectation. The finale is spirited and jubilant in character. The atmosphere generated is one of a triumphant proclamation which grows increasingly exultant as the work culminates in a rousing coda. (12')  Grade V-VI   B374   $22.00 To order
Passage to Eden Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3 (1MB); Excerpt 2.mp3 (1.1MB);
Excerpt 3 (the ending).mp3 (507KB)

   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 brass quartet (2-1-1 or 2-0-2) part 3 of the music can be played by either a trombone or a French horn B1010  $7.95  To order

   SONATA K. 380 by Scarlatti, Domenico for brass quintet (2-1-1-1), transcribed by Howard J. Buss. This delightful work was originally composed for keyboard by Domenico Scarlatti around the year 1754 and was entitled Sonata in E Major K. 380 (Longo 23). This transcription for brass quintet preserves the essential traits of the composer’s unique style, including his compositional use of register with florid treble parts and a strictly functional, supportive bass. (6’30”) Grade IV. B1002  $8.95 To order

   SONIC FABLES: “Lessons from Aesop” (1991) for brass quintet (2-1-1-1) and one percussion by Howard J. Buss. Entertaining musical representations of six of Aesop’s famous fables are presented between a Prelude and Postlude. The text of the fables is printed on a preliminary page to the score and may be used as written program notes. Each fable may also by recited by a member of the ensemble or a narrator prior to performing the accompanying movement. Because of the programmatic subject matter and the colorful spirit of the music, Sonic Fables works well with all types of audiences, including those of children. It is frequently used as a feature number by professional ensembles on school programs. Percussion: 2 suspended cymbals, temple blocks, snare drum, tomtom, triangle, tambourine, wind chimes, xylophone, and tam-tam. The total duration is about 17 minutes; however, the 8 movements may be performed in smaller groupings if so desired by the performers. (18’) Grade V-VI. B339  $28.50  To order
Sonic Fables Sound Samples:
Prelude.mp3 (excerpt with the beginning of narrator's lead-in to the first fable) 844KB
The Hawk and the Nightingale.mp3 (excerpt) 916KB
The Middle-Aged man and His Two Mistresses.mp3 (excerpt) 1MB
The Cat and the Rooster.mp3 (excerpt) 1.2MB
The PipingFisherman.mp3 (excerpt, with the beginning of narrator's lead-in to the next movement) 940KB
The Fox and the Leopard.mp3 (excerpt) 1.1MB
The Lion and the Bear.mp3 (excerpt) 764KB
Postlude.mp3 (excerpt) 1.2MB

 New! 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)

New! WARP! (1994) for brass quintet by Robert J. Frank. The title was inspired by the term from Star Trek where warp engines would bend time and space to propel the ship at incredible speeds. Exploring relationships between time and space in a musical sense, this work begins with motives and fragments free-floating in space. These gradually build in energy and motion until coming into phase with one another. After this cadence, a motor section expands and develops the previous free-floating motives over driving, repeated patterns. As the speed increases, these motives fade in and out of phase with each other until the motives come back into phase at "warp speed" in the exciting conclusion.Warp! is a fun and exciting concert feature! (3') Grade V. B716 $16.50  To order
Warp! sound sample: Excerpt.mp3 (966KB)

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