Crystal Miniatures
General Info
Year: 2023
Duration: c. 11:00
Difficulty: Grade V-VI (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Brixton
Cost: Score and Parts - $20.00 | Score Only - $0.00
Movements
I. Mischievous Pyrite “Fool’s Gold” (1’43”) II. Deep Azurite (1’52”) III. Faceted Amethyst (2’06”) IV. Smoky Quartz (2’07”) V. Snowflake Tempest (2’54”)
Instrumentation
Program Notes
"Crystal Miniatures" for clarinet and drum set by Howard J. Buss was composed for clarinetist, Dr. Allison Storochuk. It was premiered by her and percussionist Jalan Jamal on July 9, 2023 at the Westin Westminster Hotel in Denver, Colorado during ClarinetFest. Through the ages people have attributed metaphysical properties to crystals. This set of five short character pieces musically addresses aspects of the nature of the respective crystals. I. Mischievous Pyrite “Fool’s Gold” (1’43”) II. Deep Azurite (1’52”) III. Faceted Amethyst (2’06”) IV. Smoky Quartz (2’07”) V. Snowflake Tempest (2’54”) Total duration without pauses is approximately 11’
It may come as a surprise to the listener that the often-lyrical melodies of Crystal Miniatures are dodecaphonic. Not all permutations of the row are used, and some are used more than once. It was the composer’s intent to musically reflect the similarities and the differences of geometric constructions of the crystals, while at the same time showcasing their beauty and unique auras.
Commercial Discography
Recent Performances
To submit a performance please join the TEK Percussion Database
Works for Percussion by this Composer
Solo Works
A Day In The City - Marimba
Concerto For Marimba And Percussion Ensemble (Buss)
Rite of Passage - Marimba
Marimba or Vibraphone Solo With Other Instruments Works
De La Madera - Marimba; Oboe
Dreams from the Shadows - Vibraphone; French horn
Impromptu - Marimba; Clarinet or Sop. Saxophone
Night Tide - Marimba; Trombone
Night Tide (Buss) - Marimba; French horn
Stellar Visions - Marimba; Flute
Sylvan Magic - Vibraphone; Clarinet
Two Caprices - Marimba; Flute; Oboe
Wave Train - Marimba; Flute
Multiple Percussion Solo with Other Instrument Works
Atmospheres - Multiple Percussion; Trumpet
Behind The Invisible Mask - Multiple Percussion; Bassoon
Boom Time - Multiple Percussion; Trombone
Capriccio (Buss) - Multiple Percussion; Clarinet; Trombone
Crystal Miniatures - Drumset; Clarinet
Divertissements - Multiple Percussion; Clarinet
Incantation - Multiple Percussion; Trumpet
Into Each Life - Multiple Percussion; Flute; Cello; Piano
Jazzical #7: Latin Vibes - Drum set solo; String Quartet; Piano; String Bass
Kaleidoscope (Buss) - Multiple Percussion; Flute
Metamorphosis (Buss) - Drum Set Solo; Flute
Rendezvous (Buss) - Multiple Percussion; Trumpet(4)
Scenes From The Holy Land - Multiple Percussion; Flute
Sky Blossoms - Multiple Percussion; Flute
Sonic Fables: "Lessons from Aesop" - Multiple Percussion; Brass Quintet
Soundscapes (Buss) - Drumset; Saxophone (alto doubling on tenor)
Ventures - Multiple Percussion (one or two players); Euphonium
Percussion Ensemble With Other Instruments Works
American Pheonix - Percussion Quartet; Bass Trombone or Tuba
Coexistence - Percussion Quartet; Clarinet
Crossroads - Percussion Octet; Trombone Choir
Dream Sequence - Percussion Quartet; Trombone
Escapade - Percussion Quartet; Saxophone
Modern Times - Percussion Quartet; Flute/Piccolo; Narrator
Mysterious Exit - Percussion Quartet; Flute/Piccolo
Spanish Memoirs - Percussion Quartet; Trumpet
There Is A Season - Percussion Duo; Clarinet
Where Now Rusts The Iron? - Percussion Quartet; Soprano; Flute; Cello
Percussion Ensemble Works
Currents (Buss) - Percussion Quartet
Overture for Percussion - (Buss) - Percussion Ensemble
Sci-Fi Percussives - Percussion Ensemble(12)
The Big Bang (Buss) - Percussion Sextet; Piano
Additional Resources
http://www.howardbuss.com/percussion-4.html
References
http://www.howardbuss.com/percussion-4.html
https://www.cimarronmusic.com/crystalminiaturesbuss