Vibrant Horizons
by Howard J. Buss
Flute - Sheet Music

Flute and band complete set (score & parts) - Grade 5

SKU: B7.B474BCS

Composed by Howard J. Buss. 21st Century. Score and parts. Brixton Publications #B474BCS. Published by Brixton Publications (B7.B474BCS).

8.5x11 inches.

Vibrant Horizons for flute and band by Howard J. Buss was composed for flutist Brian Luce. While not referring to any one individual in particular, this work is suggestive of a person's journey from one reality to another. It is in 3 movements: New Beginnings (5'15") has an optimistic character, and the spirited thrust of the music projects movement in a hopeful and positive direction. The contemplative second movement, Old Thoughts (5'45"), juxtaposes beautiful, atmospheric sections with brooding passages, as if to suggest a tension between desirable elements of the past with those that prompted the individual to seek new horizons. The final movement, Circles (6'30"), addresses the fact that once one is settled into a new situation, routines develop. When viewed over time these routines often resemble circular patterns.

It is clear Howard Buss knows his way around a flute. One of the more difficult things for a composer to do is to create a well-balanced work with a solo instrument and the power of a Wind Band. Complicate that hurdle with an instrument that has difficulties projecting above powerful ensembles and this becomes quite a challenge. This challenge was met and conquered. While this is a medium advanced work, the solo is not ridiculously hard and you made it sound beautiful! I applaud you for keeping the flute in a flattering range throughout the work.Not once did I wince, thinking, “a lesser soloist could never make that work.” There are many neat and inventive musical ideas woven through the work. Right from the start, I was captivated by the clever development and interplay with the solo clarinet, oboe, bass clarinet leading us into letter A. I especially appreciate your scoring. It's ever too thick. Part of composing a fabulous work is to have it sound good with the dynamic markings on the page. You did a marvelous job of allowing the flute to resonate above the ensemble without littering the score with pianississimo markings. You also create a high-quality sounding “ensemble” with your superb scoring. No instruments are forced to play at an unflattering dynamic. Too many times performers must play at dynamics that are too soft, allowing tone quality to suffer. Again, good job of addressing this in your scoring! In addition, I always felt the accompaniment was an excellent companion with the solo. Never disjointed or out-of-place.This should be a popular piece!

---Mark Morette, Judge, The 2020 American Prize

I'm humbled when I have the opportunity to premiere a new work. Like many other works by Howard Buss, including “Seaside Reflections,” which I recorded with Carrol McLaughlin,“Prelude and Dance,” and “Energico” recorded by Flutefinity that I produced, I thoroughly enjoy presenting Howard's voice to audiences. I encourage any flutist interested in performing a concerto with wind ensemble to consider this engaging, thoughtful, and thoroughly enjoyable work.

---Brian Luce, Prof. of Flute, University of Arizona.