Keyboard Music - piano and harpsichord
Solo piano
Keyboard in chamber music - trios
Keyboard in chamber music - quartets
Keyboard in chamber music - quintets and larger ensembles

   LAS MENINAS: VARIATIONS (1985) for solo piano by David Alpher was inspired by the visual variations that Pablo Picasso painted in 1957 on Velasquez’ 1656 masterpiece commonly known as “Las Meninas.” Several different musical styles are employed during this Theme and 21 Variations in a manner analogous to the stylistic changes Picasso effected from one painting to the next. (16’) Grade V - VI.version for solo piano B103 $12.95 To order
Las Meninas: Variations Sound Samples:
Excerpt 1 (the beginning).mp3 (1.1MB); Excerpt 2.mp3 (1.1MB); Excerpt 3 (the ending).mp3 (1.1MB)

   TRIBUTE TO KEROUAC for solo piano by David Alpher was inspired by the work, life, and times of Jack Kerouac, “King of the Beat Generation.” Cast in seven entertaining movements, this significant composition is hugely influenced by jazz. In the preface to the score the composer writes: "Kerouac demonstrated the epic contradiction of America: on the one hand its wild energy, joy of life, and expansiveness; on the other, its tendency to self-destruct. Tribute to Kerouac is my musical response to, and commemoration of, this important American writer who liked to describe himself as a 'jazz.poet.'" (17’) Grade V. version B111  $12.95 To order
- The ensemble version of this work (for clarinet, tenor sax, piano, and string bass) is recorded on Ongaku Records #024-112.

Keyboard in chamber music - trios
   ATLANTIC LEGEND (1983) by David Alpher evokes images of the craggy, rock bound coast of New England and the timeless lore of the North Atlantic. Although the instrumentation suggests a Baroque continuo sound, the musical material is exclusively 20th Century. (14’30”) Grade V.
version for viola, cello, and harpsichord B101 $22.00  To order
Atlantic Legend (viola/cello/harpsichord version) Sound Samples:
Sound Sample 1.mp3 (989K) Sound Sample 2.mp3 (1MB) (Recorded on Ongaku Records #024-112)
version for flute, viola, and harpsichord B102  $22.00  To order
Atlantic Legend (flute/viola/harpsichord version) Sound Samples:
Excerpt, Movement 1.mp3 (1MB); Excerpt, Movement 2.mp3 (978KB)

   CONTRASTS IN BLUE (2001) for trumpet, trombone, and piano by Howard J. Buss. A dramatic and colorful work in 2 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. (15:30) Grade V-VI.  B376  $22.00 To order
Contrasts in Blue Sound Samples:Movement 1 Sample.mp3 (795K);
Movement 2 Sample A.mp3 (1MB); Movement 2 Sample B.mp3 (730K)

   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)

New! DISTANT THUNDER (1977, renotated 2005) for flute, one percussion, and piano by Roger Vogel is an exciting programmatic work consisting of two main parts. A slow, mysterious opening segment is followed by a faster, rhythmic section which develops the opening ideas and builds to a strong and memorable climax. Percussion: Timpani (4), triangle, snare drum, glockenspiel, and temple blocks. (5’15”) Grade V. B924  $20.00  Questions? To order
Distant Thunder Sound Samples:
Excerpt 1(the opening).mp3 (977KB); Excerpt 2.mp3 (1MB)

  FANTASIA (1988) for flute, clarinet and piano by Howard J. Buss. The musical material in this colorful composition moves gradually from the contemplative opening section to an intense and driving finish. The writing is fresh, and the music is full of vitality and vivid imagination. “A fabulous sonic journey.” - The Atlanta Constitution.  (7’30”) Grade V. B319  $15.00  To order
Fantasia Sound Samples:
Excerpt 1.mp3 (1.1MB); Excerpt 2.mp3 (1MB); Excerpt 3.mp3 (1.1MB)

   FLORIDA TABLEAU (1987) for clarinet, trombone and piano by Howard J. Buss is a picturesque work in 3 movements: The March of Progress, Pastorale, and The Eternal Sea. The energetic first movement features dramatic contrast between lyrical lines in the winds sounding over a hard-driving piano accompaniment, and a development section characterized by staccato melodic fragments being passed among the players. The beautiful second movement, Pastorale, is impressionistic and paints a sonic portrait of rural Florida's vast pasture lands, forests, lakes, and the Everglades. The final movement, The Eternal Sea, begins and ends with turbulent sections, one can easily imagine great waves crashing on the shoreline. The middle part of the movement has a swashbuckling and almost humorous quality about it, suggesting people frolicking at the beach. Florida Tableau was commissioned by the Florida State Music Teachers Association. “A curious musical blend of the old and the new, much like modern Florida itself.”” - The Orlando Sentinel (16’40”) Grade V. B320  $18.50  To order

     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.” Haskell Small has been hailed by the Washington Post for his "rich imagination and assured mastery." 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. 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)

    IN DARKNESS (1989) for high voice (soprano or tenor), alto saxophone, and piano by Roger C. Vogel. In Sophocle’s tragedy Oidipous Tyrannos the protagonist was separated from his parents at birth. He unwittingly fulfilled a prophesy by killing his father in a quarrel and then marrying his mother when he became king of Thebes. In Darkness is a narrative of the events that took place after the incestuous marriage became known.The text for this musical work was translated and adapted by Timothy Gantz. Although the melodic and harmonic language of this composition is modern, it incorporates some of the flavor of the ancient Grecian melody by deriving important motivic material from the ancient Dorian scale as it was sung in the chromatic genus. Recorded on the OASIS CD Love Letters (ORCV4000), available from Brixton Publications CD-109. This powerful and engaging composition makes a memorable concert feature.  (16’30”) Grade V. B902  $18.50 To order
In Darkness Sound Sample: Excerpt.mp3 (971KB)

New! LOVE LETTERS (2002) by Roger C. Vogel is an entertaining and memorable song cycle based on texts selected to represent the many different aspects of the universal emotion of love: from longing, exuberance, excitement, and playfulness to sorrow and despair. The individual songs may be performed individually. The work is published in two versions, each with a different instrumentation and number of songs.
Version for high voice (soprano or tenor), violin, and piano (45’) Grade IV-V.  B925  $48.50:
1. Your Letter Moved Me 2:29
2. I Lie Awake 3:52
3. Dear Miss West Forty-seventh Street 1:49
4. My Dearest Nell (voice and piano) 7:45
5. The French Ladies 3:39
6. My Darling Dear, Delightful Ringo 2:57
7. Have You Heard That I Love You (voice and violin) 3:07
8. Alas! I have Suffered Your Scorn! 11:36
9. Everything Measurable Passes 1:45
10. Interlude (violin and piano) 2:59
11. Adieu, I Seal My Letter 4:36 To order
Version for high voice (soprano or tenor) and piano (23’) Grade IV-V.  B926  $22.00:
1. Your Letter Moved Me 2:29
2. I Lie Awake 3:52
3. Dear Miss West Forty-seventh Street 1:49
4. My Dearest Nell (voice and piano) 7:45
5. My Darling Dear, Delightful Ringo 2:57
6. Adieu, I Seal My Letter 4:36 To order
The version for high voice, violin, and piano is recorded on the OASIS CD Love Letters (ORCV4000), available from Brixton Publications CD-109.

   NIGHT FLIGHT (1999) for piccolo, clarinet, and piano by Howard J. Buss. This riveting work showcases the piccolo and clarinet, and piano, exploring their different registers and colors. It provides exciting contrasts between lyrical and technical sections. Night Flight was commissioned for the 1999 National Flute Association Convention in Atlanta and was premiered at the event by Rebecca Arrenson, piccolo; Robert E. Price, clarinet; and Paula Peace, piano. (9’) Grade V-VI.  B363   $18.50  To order
Recorded by Lois Herbine, piccolo; Allison Herz, clarinet; and Charles Abramovic, piano on the critically-acclaimed Crystal Records CD TAKE WING, available from Brixton. Night Flight sound samples:
Sound Sample#1.mp3 (1MB) Sound Sample#2.mp3 (1MB) Sound Sample#3 (1MB)

   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)

   REMEMBRANCES (2000) by Howard J. Buss is a lyrical, enjoyable work written in an appealing modern style. It was written immediately following the death of the composer's 97-year-old grandmother. Rather than being a somber memorial or musical epitaph, this charming and melodious composition is a celebration of life. The character of the opening section is contemplative. Gradually the music becomes more animated and Remembrances finishes in a spirit of buoyant optimism. (8’) Grade IV.
   - version for clarinet, cello, and piano B365  $18.50  To order
   - version for flute, cello, and piano B366  $18.50  To order
   - version for trumpet, cello, and piano B364  $18.50  To order

   REVERIE (1992) for clarinet, viola, and piano by Howard J. Buss. This beautiful, neo-impressionistic work was commissioned by Luis Rossi and the Trio de Buenos Aires. It was premiered by this ensemble in Madrid, Spain at the Circulo de Bellas Artes on February 20, 1994. Reverie is a sophisticated work, rewarding for the performers and audience alike. As the title suggests, the music is contemplative. The writing is idiomatic and imaginative. This composition is a "must". (10’30”) Grade V. B335   $18.50  To order
Reverie Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3 (1.1MB); Excerpt 2.mp3 (1MB);
Excerpt 3.mp3 (1.1MB); Excerpt 4.mp3 (1.2MB)

   ROMANCE AND CAPRICE (2004) for flute/piccolo, alto flute and piano by Howard J. Buss. The hauntingly beautiful first movement is followed by a dramatic “tour de force” hugely influenced by jazz. (9’40”) Grade V-VI.  B385   $22.00  To order
Sound Sample Mov.#1.mp3 (996K) Sound Sample Mov.#2.mp3 (970K)

    TENNESSEE SUITE (2001) for flute, viola, and piano by Howard J. Buss is based upon the composer’s visit to the Smoky Mountains, in four beautiful and picturesque movements: Mystic Dawn, Treetop Capers, Cades Cove, and The Trail to Abrams Falls. Written for Shelley Binder. (13’) Grade V. B370 $22.00 To order
Tennessee Suite Sound Samples:
Excerpt, Movement 1.mp3 (1MB); Excerpt, Movement 2 (the ending).mp3 (592K);
Excerpt, Movement 3.mp3 (1.2MB); Excerpt, Movement 4.mp3 (1.2MB)

    TRIO for flute, cello, and piano by Haskell Small is divided into three exciting movements: Allegro non-troppo, Andante, and Allegro molto energico. Haskell Small has been hailed by the Washington Post for his "rich imagination and assured mastery."Recorded on the CD 25 Preludes: A Musical Odyssey (Northeastern Classical Arts NR 242-CD) by Virginia Nanzetta, flute; Douglas Wolters, cello; and Haskell Small, piano. (10”) Grade V. B604  $18.50  To order
Trio Sound Samples:
Sample Movement 1.mp3 (1MB) Sample Movement 2.mp3 (942K) Sample Movement 3.mp3 (1009K)

Keyboard in chamber music - quartets

   THE DISTANCES THEY KEEP (2001) for two high voices (sopranos or tenors), flute, and piano by Roger Vogel is a beautiful, lyrical work about man’s relationship to nature, and wild birds specifically. It is based upon an enchanting poem of the same name by Howard Nemerov. Recorded on the OASIS CD Love Letters (ORCV4000), available from Brixton Publications CD-109. The vocal ranges required are d below the staff to A above the staff, and Db below the staff to A above the staff respectively. (12’30”) Grade V. B920  $22.00 Questions? To order
The Distances They Keep Sound Sample: Excerpt.mp3 (1.2MB)

   EINE KLEINE SNAILMUSIK for high voice (soprano or tenor), trumpet, cello, and piano by Roger C. Vogel is a humorous setting of May Sarton’s poem of the same name. Theatrical gestures are used in this lighthearted and playful work. In the preface to the score thecomposer writes, "The humor in this work will be greatly enhanced by setting a lighthearted mood before beginning the work and by appropriate gestures throughout." The vocal range is from d below the treble staff to Ab above the staff. (8’) Grade V. B912  $18.50 To order
Eine Kleine Snailmusik Sound Sample: Excerpt.mp3 (1MB)

   INTO EACH LIFE (1997) for flute, cello, piano and one percussion by Howard J. Buss was commissioned by The Florida Flute Association and the Brannen-Cooper Fund as a tribute to the renown flutist Albert Tipton. This colorful work is cast in two main sections, the first of which juxtaposes lyrical and turbulent passages. The final section takes the form of a joyous fugue. The instrumentation includes vibes, orch. bells, cymbals, tam-tam, bongos, wood block and tambourine. (11’) Grade V. B358  $26.50   Questions? To order
Score Sample.pdf file (will open with Acrobat Reader)
Percussion Set-up Chart.pdf file (will open with Acrobat Reader)
Into Each Life Sound Samples:
Excerpt 1.mp3 (1.2MB); Excerpt 2.mp3 (1.1MB); Excerpt 3.mp3 (1.1MB)

   LAS MENINAS: VARIATIONS (1985) by David Alpher was inspired by the visual variations that Pablo Picasso painted in 1957 on Velasquez’ 1656 masterpiece commonly known as “Las Meninas.” Several different musical styles are employed during this Theme and 21 Variations in a manner analogous to the stylistic changes Picasso effected from one painting to the next. (16 Grade V - VI. version for oboe, cello, guitar and piano B104 $26.00 To order
Las Meninas: Variations (ensemble version) Sound Samples: Excerpt 1.mp3 (893KB);
Excerpt 2.mp3 (1MB); Excerpt 3.mp3 (801KB); Excerpt 4.mp3 (1MB) To order   

   THUNDER ROLL for three percussion and piano by Zack Browning in two movements: “Night Visions” is a slow and ethereal with much dramatic contrast. “Day Attack” is fast-paced in which rhythmic displacement and mixed meters create a compelling style reminiscent of the music of Bartok. Percussion distribution: Percussion 1: Vibraphone, snare drum, and suspended cymbal; Percussion 2: Triangle, tam-tam, bass drum, glockenspiel, xylophone, and roto toms; Percussion 3: Timpani (4). “This is a well-written piece with audience appeal.” - Percussive Notes Magazine (10’) Grade V-VI  B205  $28.50  To order
Thunder Roll Sound Samples: Excerpt, Movement 1.mp3 (1.1MB); Excerpt, Movement 2.mp3 (1.1MB)

   TRIBUTE TO KEROUAC for clarinet, tenor sax, piano, and string bass by David Alpher was inspired by the work, life, and times of Jack Kerouac, “King of the Beat Generation.” Cast in seven entertaining movements, this significant composition is hugely influenced by jazz. In the preface to the score the composer writes: "Kerouac demonstrated the epic contradiction of America: on the one hand its wild energy, joy of life, and expansiveness; on the other, its tendency to self-destruct. Tribute to Kerouac is my musical response to, and commemoration of, this important American writer who liked to describe himself as a 'jazz.poet.'" This significant work is recorded on Ongaku Records CD#024-112. (17’) Grade V. B110  $32.00  To order
Tribute to Kerouac Sound Samples:
I. American Nocturne Sample.mp3 (779K)    II. Movin’ On Sample.mp3 (782K)
III. Remembered Sample.mp3 (982K)           IV. Intermezzo Sample.mp3 (693K)
V. Beat Scene Sample.mp3 (996K)               VI. Urgency Sample.mp3 (916K)
VII. Epilogue Sample.mp3 (919K)

    THE WALRUS AND THE CARPENTER (1989) For narrator, flute, viola, and piano by David Alpher. Based upon Lewis Carroll’s well-known poem from Through the Looking Glass (1871) this entertaining composition transforms the familiar words from their Victorian and child-like context to a very different sound world primarily influenced by jazz. Finalist in the 1996 Newly-Published Music Competition of the National Flute Association.  (15’)  Grade V. B105  $28.50  To order
The Walrus and the Carpenter Sound Samples:
Excerpt 1.mp3 (993KB); Excerpt 2.mp3 (1MB); Excerpt 3.mp3 (858KB)

   LAND OF THE FARTHER SUNS (1992) by David Alpher. The text in this significant concert piece is from the poetry of Stephen Crane. The work is constructed in the manner of a song cycle, only with narration rather than singing. The music is modern, yet accessible, and contains sections in a jazzy vein. Finalist in the 1996 Newly-Published Music Competition of the National Flute Association. Recorded by Flute Force with Garrison Keillor on the Innova CD “Eyewitness”, available from Brixton Publications. (20’ Grade V. version for narrator, four flutes (flute/piccolo, flute, flute/alto flute, and flute/bass flute), and piano  B107  $34.00  To order
Land of the Farther Suns (Ensemble Version) Sound Samples: Excerpt 1 (the opening).mp3 (1.1MB);
Excerpt 2.mp3 (1.1MB); Excerpt 3.mp3 (1.1MB)

    SHORT STORY (1980) for flute, clarinet, oboe, cello, and piano by Haskell Small was commissioned by the Georgetown Symphony. The thematic material in this entertaining work is mostly of a lyrical nature juxtaposed with a "chase" motif and several sections of a gently jazzy flavor. It is essentially in sonata form, with an introductory recitative-like section that repeats in the middle and at the end of the composition. A short fugue based upon the main lyrical theme precedes the ending. Recorded on 4Tay Records CD #4020 “The Twisted Pine Branch.” Haskell Small has been hailed by the Washington Post for his "rich imagination and assured mastery." (10’30”) Grade V-VI. B603   $22.00  To order
Short Story Sound Samples: Sample 1.mp3 (1MB) Sample 2.mp3 (797K)

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