Buss-Atmospheres-M/P/TP

ATMOSPHERES (2005) for trumpet/flügelhorn and one percussion by Howard J. Buss is a colorful, dramatic, and captivating duo in three movements: The Wakening; One Sunday, Long Ago; and On-the-Edge. It was commissioned by the Double Take Duo. The first movement begins with a mysterious and turbulent section featuring dramatic contrasts of dynamics and mood. Eventually this gives way to passages with a hint of playfulness. The movement culminates in an intriguing dance-like section with a distinctively Latin flare. One Sunday, Long Ago is divided into two main parts: the first uses lyrical, soaring melodies played on the Flügelhorn over a delicate ostinato on the maracas. Notable about the percussion part in this section is that the percussionist also plays the bongos and tambourine (setting on a table) with the bodies of the maracas, and the suspended cymbals with the butts of the maraca handles. The movement ends with an intriguing interplay between the marimba and the Flügelhorn,creating a beautiful, and almost meditative, atmosphere. The final movement is energetic, highly dramatic, and is obviously influenced by jazz. The percussion instruments employed include marimba (to low A), two suspended cymbals, bongos, temple blocks, tambourine, maracas, wood block, tam-tam, cow bell, and triangle. The marimba part calls predominately for two-mallet technique.When four mallets are employed (in the third movement) sparingly, they are used in repeated chordal patterns. Atmospheres is a sophisticated work with audience appeal!

Number of Players: 2
Difficulty: Grade 5+
Instrumentation:

Player I: Trumpet

Player II: Marimba, 2 Suspended Cymbals, 2 Bongos, Tambourine, 4 Temple Blocks, Maracas, Wood Block, Tam-Tam, Cowbell, 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.