Tuba music

Solo Tuba, unaccompanied
A DAY IN THE CITY “7 Vignettes” (1986) for solo bass trombone or tuba 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. B305 $4.95 To order
A Day in the City Sound Samples: Movement 2, Off to a Busy Day.mp3 (966KB);
Movement 3: The Lost Key Episode.mp3 (1.1MB)

Tuba and one other instrument

   BALLAD (2004) for tuba (or bass trombone) and piano by Howard J. Buss received its world premier on May 9, 2004 at the Chetham School of Music in Manchester, England by Jonathan Warburton, bass trombone and Gilbert Cowlishaw, piano. This was commissioned by Mr. Warburton, and is a beautiful piece which 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. (6’00”)This is a “must” for your next recital or competition. (6’00”) Grade IV-V. B388 $10.00 To order
Ballad Sound Samples: Excerpt 1 (the opening).mp3; Excerpt 2.mp3; Excerpt 3 (the ending).mp3
score sample .pdf file (will open with Acrobat Reader)

   FOR THE FUNK OF IT (1985) for tuba and piano by Zack Browning offers hard-driving funk and off-beat reggae passages which are then 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. (5’) Grade V. B202 $12.00 To order
For the Funk of It Sound Sample: Excerpt.mp3 (1.1MB)

ILLUMINATIONS(2001) for bass trombone or tuba and piano by Howard J. Buss was commissioned for Charles Vernon, bass trombonist with the Chicago Symphony, and the 30th Anniversary of the International Trombone Festival. It is cast in two captivating 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! (19’) Grade V. B369 $20.00 To order
Illuminations Sound Samples:
Movement 1 Sample A.mp3 (974K) Movement 1 Sample B.mp3 (796K)
Movement 2 Sample A.mp3 (845K) Movement 2 Sample B.mp3 (1MB)

TIME CAPSULE (2002) for tenor trombone and tuba by Howard J. 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 IV. B350B $8.95 To order

Tuba and percussion ensemble

AMERICAN PHOENIX (2001) for solo bass trombone (or tuba) and four percussion by Howard J. Buss was written for Stefan Sanders, bass trombonist with the Buffalo Philharmonic and the 30th Anniversary of the International Trombone Association. Cast in three 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. this colorful work is cast In three 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 (15’) Grade V. B375 $48.50 Questions? To order
Score sample: Mvt. 1 “In Remembrance” 9/11/01 .pdf file (will open with Acrobat Reader)
Score sample: Mvt. 2 “Repercussions” .pdf file (will open with Acrobat Reader)
Score sample: Mvt. 3 “Renewal” .pdf file (will open with Acrobat Reader)
American Phoenix Sound Samples:
Movement 1 (In Remembrance 9/11/01), Excerpt A.mp3 (1001KB);
Movement 1 (In Remembrance 9/11/01), Excerpt B.mp3 (1MB);
Movement 2 (Repercussions), Excerpt A.mp3 (1.1MB);
Movement 2 (Repercussions), Excerpt B (the ending).mp3 (1021KB);
Movement 3 (Renewal), Excerpt A.mp3 (1.1MB);
Movement 3 (Renewal), Excerpt B (the ending).mp3 (795KB)

Tuba in chamber music (includes brass trios, quartets and quintets)

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 $16.50 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 $16.50 To order
Concord Sound Samples:
Sample 1.mp3 (1MB) Sample 2.mp3 (1.2MB) Sample 3.mp3 (412K)

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 percussionist has numerous solos during the composition as well as an extended cadenza. The total duration is about 17 minutes; however, the 8 movements may be performed in smaller groupings if so desired by the performers. Sonic Fables was first performed on December 15, 1991 at Florida Southern College in Lakeland by the Clarion Brass with Thomas Glaister on percussion. (18’) Grade V-VI. B339 $28.50 Questions? To order

TRIGON (1989) for trumpet, trombone, and tuba by Howard J. Buss. This riveting and energetic piece is characterized by lyrical passages juxtaposed with aggressive, angular sections. All three players are given substantial solo lines in this exciting tour de force. (10’) Grade V. B341 $18.50 To order

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