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

A Day In The City - Marimba
American Pheonix - Percussion Quartet; Bass Trombone or Tuba
Atmospheres - Multiple Percussion; Trumpet
Behind The Invisible Mask - Multiple Percussion; Bassoon
Boom Time - Multiple Percussion; Trombone
Capriccio (Buss) - Multiple Percussion; Clarinet; Trombone
Coexistence - Percussion Quartet; Clarinet
Crossroads - Percussion Octet; Trombone Choir
Currents - Percussion Trio
De La Madera - Marimba; Oboe
Dream Sequence - Percussion Quartet; Trombone
Escapade - Percussion Quartet; Saxophone
Impromptu - Marimba; Clarinet or Sop. Saxophone
Incantation - Multiple Percussion; Trumpet
Into Each Life - Multiple Percussion; Flute; Cello; Piano
Kaleidoscope (Buss) - Multiple Percussion; Flute
Modern Times - Percussion Quartet; Flute/Piccolo; Narrator
Mysterious Exit - Percussion Quartet; Flute/Piccolo
Night Tide - Marimba; Trombone
Overture for Percussion - (Buss) - Percussion Ensemble
Rendezvous (Buss) - Multiple Percussion; Trumpet(4)
Rite of Passage - Marimba; Flute
Scenes From The Holy Land - Multiple Percussion; Flute
Sci-Fi Percussives - Percussion Ensemble(12)
Sky Blossoms - Multiple Percussion; Flute
Sonic Fables: "Lessons from Aesop" - Multiple Percussion; Brass Quintet
Spanish Memoirs - Percussion Quartet; Trumpet
Stellar Visions - Marimba; Flute
The Big Bang (Buss) - Percussion Sextet; Piano
There Is A Season - Percussion Duo; Clarinet
Two Caprices - Marimba; Flute; Oboe
Wave Train - Marimba; Flute
Where Now Rusts The Iron? - Percussion Quartet; Soprano; Flute; Cello