Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1951

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Howard J. Buss is a renowned American composer of classical music. He was born on December 18, 1951, in the city of Wichita, Kansas. Buss grew up in a family of musicians, and his father was a professional trumpet player. As a child, Buss was exposed to music from an early age, and he began playing the trumpet at the age of nine. Buss attended Wichita State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in trumpet performance. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Kansas. During his time at the University of Kansas, Buss studied under the renowned composer and conductor, James Barnes. After completing his studies, Buss began his career as a composer and trumpet player. He has composed over 150 works for various ensembles, including orchestras, wind ensembles, chamber groups, and solo instruments. Buss's music has been performed by numerous orchestras and ensembles throughout the United States and Europe. One of Buss's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which was commissioned by the Wichita Symphony Orchestra in 1985. The symphony is a four-movement work that showcases Buss's skill as a composer. The first movement, "Fanfare and Allegro," is a lively and energetic piece that features the brass and percussion sections of the orchestra. The second movement, "Lament," is a slow and mournful piece that features the strings. The third movement, "Scherzo," is a playful and whimsical piece that features the woodwinds. The final movement, "Finale," is a triumphant and celebratory piece that brings the symphony to a thrilling conclusion. Another notable work by Buss is his Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra, which was premiered by the Wichita Symphony Orchestra in 1990. The concerto is a three-movement work that showcases Buss's skill as a trumpet player as well as a composer. The first movement, "Allegro," is a fast and virtuosic piece that features the trumpet. The second movement, "Adagio," is a slow and lyrical piece that showcases the trumpet's ability to play beautiful melodies. The final movement, "Allegro con brio," is a lively and energetic piece that brings the concerto to a thrilling conclusion. Buss has also composed numerous works for wind ensembles, including his Suite for Wind Ensemble, which was premiered by the University of Kansas Wind Ensemble in 1980. The suite is a four-movement work that showcases Buss's skill as a composer for wind instruments. The first movement, "Fanfare," is a lively and energetic piece that features the brass and percussion sections of the ensemble. The second movement, "Serenade," is a slow and lyrical piece that features the woodwinds. The third movement, "Scherzo," is a playful and whimsical piece that features the entire ensemble. The final movement, "Finale," is a triumphant and celebratory piece that brings the suite to a thrilling conclusion. In addition to his work as a composer, Buss is also a respected trumpet player. He has performed with numerous orchestras and ensembles throughout the United States and Europe. Buss is also a dedicated teacher, and he has taught composition and trumpet at Wichita State University and Friends University. Overall, Howard J. Buss is a talented and accomplished composer of classical music. His works showcase his skill as a composer and his love for music.

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