Buss-Capriccio-P/T/B/CL/TN

CAPRICCIO (1986) for clarinet, trombone and one percussion by Howard J. Buss is a rather whimsical composition. The overall structure of the work is related to sonata-rondo form. Following an introduction, the frolicking Exposition unfolds only to be interrupted by a chorale-like episode followed by a paraphrase of the opening "thematic" material. The development section consists primarily of cadenzas for the percussionist, trombonist, and clarinetist respectively. (The cadenzas are separated by colorful transitional passages.) The clarinet cadenza is abruptly interrupted by the percussionist and trombonist leading to a section in Dixieland style. The composition concludes with a Recapitulation and Coda.Capriccio subtly pokes fun at the pyrotechnical characteristics exhibited by many contemporary compositions and the same time hints at a parallel with similar elements in Dixieland and jazz. The work was premiered in at the University of South Florida in Tampa by the composer on trombone, clarinetist Judy E. Buss, and percussionist Robert McCormick on November 24, 1981.

Number of Players: 3
Difficulty: Grade 4
Instrumentation:

Player I: Bb Clarinet

Player II: Trombone

Player III: 5 Tom-Toms, Snare Drum, Tambourine, 2 Suspended Cymbals, 2 Cowbells, 1 Timpani, Vibraphone, Bells, Triangle, Tam-Tam, Bell Tree

Howard J. Buss (b. 1951) is recognized  internationally as a significant composer of contemporary classical music. His compositions have received critical acclaim and have been performed in more than 50 countries. His music is widely performed and frequently featured at national and international music conventions and festivals. They have been performed by faculty musicians from major universities as well as current and former members of prestigious organizations such as The Boston Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, Vancouver Symphony,  Atlanta Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, etc.   A copy of his patriotic composition Fanfares is included in the Presidential Collection of Ronald Reagan. Buss' more than 120 published works include instrumental solos, chamber music, symphonic, choral, and band works. They are fast becoming part of the standard repertoire in concert halls.