Oboe/English horn Music
Solo oboe, unaccompanied
Two oboes
Oboe or English horn with one other instrument
Oboe and voice
Oboe in chamber music

Solo oboe, unaccompanied:
    A DAY IN THE CITY “7 Vignettes” (1986) for solo oboe 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.   B301  $6.95 To order

Oboe or English horn with one other instrument

   DE LA MADERA (2006) for oboe and marimba by Howard Buss. The Spanish title means “From the Wood” and refers not only to the material producing the tones, but also the alluring enchantment of the forest. This beautiful and compelling duo mixes Buss’ unique style of soaring lyricism and exciting contrasts with spicy,zesty Latin rhythms. The result is sure to please both the audience and performers! (10’15”) Grade V-VI.  B406  $12.95  To order
Del La Madera samples: Score sample 1.pdf (2 pages, 244KB); Score sample 2.pdf (3 pages, 440KB)

   FELINITY by Howard Buss for clarinet and English horn or for two clarinets. Both versions are included with the published set. Cast in 3 colorful movements: Alfie’s Dance, Behind the Cryptic Gaze , and Intrigues, the character of this entertaining work is greatly influenced by the feline qualities of grace, sleekness, stealth, and playfulness. (8’)  Grade V. B382  $12.95 To order
Felinity for English horn and clarinet score samples (transposed score):
Excerpt, Movement 1.pdf (2 pages, 280KB); Excerpt, Movement 2.pdf (2 pages, 244KB);
Excerpt, Movement 3.pdf (2 pages, 256KB)

   FIRST LIGHT (2005) for oboe and piano by Roger Vogel. In the preface to the score the composer writes, "At the first light of day, before sunrise, the world is slowly coaxed from its slumber." With its quiet, lyrical opening and pauses, this beautiful work embodies this sense of awakening as it gradually becomes more animated and energetic. (5’45”) Grade V. B923  $8.00 To order
Sound Excerpt.mp3 (1MB)

   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)

   OCTOBER DAWN (1987, revised 2006) for oboe and piano by Randall Snyder displays the oboe in a characteristically lyric, songlike style, contrasting with a more active, middle section featuring impressionistic piano arpeggios. The overall mood is one suggesting the bittersweet nostalgia of autumn. (5’) Grade IV-V.  B816  $6.95  To order
October Dawn Sound Sample: Excerpt.mp3 (906KB)

   SEASIDE REFLECTIONS (1993) by Howard Buss captures the serenity of musing by the sea. On the preface page to the score is printed the following free verse by the composer. It is suggested that the poem be narrated immediately before the performance and/or printed in the program notestoset themoodforthe music:: “On the shore of eternity swirling currents of liquid chaos gather for and disperse as foam. As rock wears to sand all dissonance transforms to serenity. Time presses no longer.” This is a memorable recital piece with real audience appeal. (7’)
- Version for oboe and piano Grade IV. B388A $8.95 To order
- Version for oboe and harp Grade IV.B388AH $10.00 To order

   SKYLINES (2003) for English horn and piano by Howard Buss. Cast in 2 powerful and engaging movements, it is a picturesque musical urban portrait. Skylines is loosely programmatic in that no specific city is depicted; rather, the composer captures, in a broad manner, the essence of the big city spectacle. The lyrical and majestic first movement, Panorama, suggests the expansive grandeur of cityscape. The second, Amid the Spires, is hugely influenced by jazz and captures the dynamic energy of life on the busy streets. movements. (10’30”) Grade V. B381EH  $16.50  To order
Skylines score samples (score in C):
Excerpt, Movement 1.pdf (3 pages, 384KB); Excerpt, Movement 2.pdf (3 pages, 344KB)

   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

   WIND SONGS (2005) for flute/alto flute and oboe/English horn by Howard J. Buss is a charming and vivid duo for performers who like substantial, yet audience-friendly music. This colorful, entertaining work is in three movements: Zephyrs. Whispers Amid the Pines, and Harbinger of the Storm. (8’15”) Grade V. B400 $16.00
Score sample: Mvt. 1 “Zephyrs”.pdf file (will open with Acrobat Reader)
Score sample: Mvt. 2 “Whispers Amid the Pines” .pdf file (will open with Acrobat Reader)
Score sample: Mvt. 3 “Harbinger of the Storm”.pdf file (will open with Acrobat Reader)

   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

   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)

   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

   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 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 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

    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)

    TWO CAPRICES (2007) for flute, oboe, and marimba by Howard Buss is a rousing showpiece in two engaging movements. Evocation moves from the mysterious opening to a beautiful extended section in a pensive mood. Romp features beautiful lyricism and spirited rhythms with a Latin flare. Two Caprices was composed for Amy Collins, oboe; Kim McCormick, flute; and Robert McCormick, marimba and was premiered by Ms. Collins and the McCormick Duo at the International Double Reed Society Conference hosted by Ithaca College (NY) in June 2007. (10:30) Grade VI. B411 $18.50 To order
Two Caprices Sound Samples: Movement 1, Excerpt 1.mp3 (1MB); Excerpt 2.mp3 (908KB)
Movement 2, Excerpt 1.mp3 (860KB); Excerpt 2.mp3 (1.3MB)

   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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