Coexistence

Howard Buss

General Info

Year: 1979
Duration: c. 9:00
Difficulty: Grade V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Brixton
Cost: Score and Parts - $28.50   |   Score Only - $0.00

Instrumentation

Player I: Xylophone, tubular chimes, orchestra bells, tom-toms(4), sizzle cymbal, tam tam, triangle, metal wind chimes
Player II: Vibraphone, celesta, triangle, tambourine, temple blocks, maracas, snare drum
Player III: Suspended cymbals(2), triangle, cow bell, snare drum, bass drum, tam tam
Player IV: Marimba, timpani(2), cow bell, tam tam, ratchet, whip, hi-hat, metal wind chimes

Clarinet

Program Notes

COEXISTENCE (1979) for clarinet and four percussion by Howard J. Buss. Dramatic tension permeates this work as the solitary clarinet is pitted against the potentially explosive and overpowering might of the percussion ensemble.The state of fragile coexistence between the clarinetist and the percussionists at times requires the conductor to function as a “referee” in order to preserve the dynamic balance. The most theatrical example of this occurs about midway through the composition. At this point the music builds to a deafening, chaotic fury during which the clarinetist has no chance of being heard. The director restores order by “disciplining” the percussionists with a piercing blast on a police whistle. In contrast, Coexistence contains sections of relatively low intensity with delicate coloristic shadings and intricate ensemble coordination. Timbral modulations figure prominently throughout the work. Percussion distribution: Percussion 1: Xylophone, chimes (tubular bells), orchestra bells, 4 tom toms, sizzle cymbal, tam-tam, triangle and wind chimes; Percussion 2: Vibraphone, celesta (muted orchestra bells may by substituted), triangle, tambourine, temple blocks, maracas, and snare drum; Percussion 3: 2 suspended cymbals, triangle, cow bell, snare drum, bass drum, and tam tam; Percussion 4: Marimba, timpani (1), cow bell, large tam-tam (which may be shared with players 1 and 3), ratchet, whip, hi-hat, and wind chimes.“An exquisite concert piece that will keep listeners on the edges of their seats! “ - The Clarinet.”This is recommended literature.” - Percussive Notes

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COEXISTENCE for clarinet and 4 percussion by Howard J. Buss. Dramatic tension permeates this work as the solitary clarinet is pitted against the potentially explosive and overpowering might of the percussion ensemble.The state of fragile coexistence between the clarinetist and the percussionists at times requires the conductor to function as a “referee” in order to preserve the dynamic balance. The most theatrical example of this occurs about midway through the composition. At this point the music builds to a deafening, chaotic fury during which the clarinetist has no chance of being heard. The director restores order by “disciplining” the percussionists with a piercing blast on a police whistle. In contrast, Coexistence contains sections of relatively low intensity with delicate COEXISTENCE shadings and intricate ensemble coordination.

Performed by clarinetist Judy E. Buss and The University of South Florida Percussion Ensemble directed by Robert McCormick on November 18, 1979 (the premier). Published by Cimarron Music Press (Brixton Publications) - https://www.cimarronmusic.com/coexist...

Recent Performances

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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