On the Stroke of Midnight

"On the Stroke of Midnight" for solo horn by Howard J. Buss traverses a wide variety of atmospheres, from ranging from gentle, mysterious passages, to intense and powerful exclamations. Throughout there is a sense of mysticism, as if an incantation is taking place around the arrival of midnight. Various extended techniques enhance the traditional horn sound, such as stopped effects, simultaneous singing and playing, flutter tonguing, growling, etc. It may be performed as traditional concert piece, a theatre piece or as an hour-specific piece actually performed at midnight for the fun of it by oneself, or with a group of people.