Impromptu

Howard Buss

General Info

Year: 1994
Duration: c. 6:00
Difficulty: Grade V(see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Brixton
Cost: Score and Parts - $10.00   |   Score Only - $0.00

Instrumentation

Marimba
Clarinet or Soprano Saxophone

Program Notes

IMPROMPTU (1994) for clarinet (or soprano saxophone) and marimba by Howard J. Buss is characterized by driving rhythms and ornate melodic lines. The opening motives in both parts undergo almost continuous development throughout the work, often giving the music a spontaneous, improvisatory feel. At times the music has a playful, almost frolicking quality. At other times mysterious and introspective passages contrast with aggressive, intense sections to create an atmosphere of moodiness. The lyrical melodies and interesting timbral contrasts between the instruments, combine with the tonal scheme of the music to make a sophisticated, yet audience-friendly, concert work. Two mallet technique is prominent in the marimba part during the more intricate solo passages and there is some use of three and four mallets in those sections where chordal writing occurs. It is frequently performed on recitals by college students and faculty. “A very accessible and enjoyable work.” - Percussive Notes.

Commercial Discography

http://www.brixtonpublications.com/percussion-4.html

Recent Performances

Emporia State University - October 7, 2018 - Dr. Dawn McConkie, Clarinet & Dr. Tracy Freeze, Marimba

CMS/NACWPI Conference in Vancouver B.C. - October 12, 2018 - Dr. Dawn McConkie, Clarinet & Dr. Tracy Freeze, Marimba

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

Marimba Solo With Other Instruments Works

De La Madera - Marimba; Oboe
Impromptu - Marimba; Clarinet or Sop. Saxophone
Night Tide - Marimba; Trombone
Rite of Passage - Marimba; Flute
Stellar Visions - Marimba; Flute
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
Incantation - Multiple Percussion; Trumpet
Into Each Life - Multiple Percussion; Flute; Cello; Piano
Kaleidoscope (Buss) - Multiple Percussion; 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

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