River Scenes

River Scenes for flute and harpsichord by Howard J. Buss was commissioned by Dr. Kimberly Reighley for mélomanie2, a duo featuring flutist, Dr. Reighley, and harpsichordist, Tracy Richardson. The four movements were inspired by the atmospheres generated by picturesque riverine settings:

Panorama (2’45”)

Avian Intrigues (2’55”)

Reflections in the Still Pool (2’45”)

Whitewater (2’30”)

Duration: approximately 11’30”

Notes to the performers

River Scenes is written without a key signature. Because of frequent chromatic shifts, colorful chord structures with mixed accidentals, and cross-relations, courtesy accidentals are used liberally throughout the piece.

To the harpsichordist: This work is designed for a harpsichord with two 8’ registers. The dynamic indications determine which manual or combination of manuals is the be used: mp is the top keyboard, mf is the bottom keyboard, and f designates the two keyboards are to be coupled together. When a trill is indicated above a dyad, only the top note is to be trilled.