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CURRENTS (1976) for 4 percussion by Howard J. Buss is divided into four main sections and explores various perspectives of the principles of timbral and metric modulation. Timbral and metric "currents" in the music interact and blend in a manner analogous to currents in physical mediums. In addition, there is an element of implied theater. As the work begins, three percussionists are conducted in the traditional manner by the fourth. Next to the conductor, clearly visible in front of the main percussion battery, is a wooden board bridging two saw horses and a carpenter's hand saw. These sit idly through much of the work, long enough to arouse curiosity in the audience as to the role of these prominently displayed construction objects. About midway through the composition the conductor lifts the saw overhead and strikes it. This serves as a cutoff gesture and also establishes that the saw is an "extension" of the conductor's baton. The saw remains idle until the beginning of the fourth division of the work. During the final section it is used simultaneously as a "baton" and a percussion instrument by the director, who saws through wood, scrapes the saw's teeth, slaps it on the board, strikes it with a mallet, and waves it in the air. At the very end of the work the conductor sets down the saw and walks behind the players to play the tam-tam. In doing so, he continues to direct the ensemble through the explosive conclusion
Number of Players: 3
Difficulty: Grade 3
Instrumentation:
Player I: 2 Anvils, 2 Cowbells, Snare Drum, 2 Suspended Cymbals, Tambourine, 1 Timpani, Xylophone, Wind Chimes
Player II: Hi-Hat, Maracas, 2 Suspended Cymbals, Triangle, Tam-Tam, 4 Tom-Toms, Vibraphone, Bass Bow
Player III: Bass Drum, Guiro, Marimba, Sizzle Cymbal, Suspended Cymbal, 5 Temple Blocks, Triangle
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.
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