Buss, HJ :: Anne of the Waves

Anne of the Waves

Buss, HJ

Paul McReynolds commissioned Anne of the Waves for solo flute by Howard J. Buss for his lovely and talented wife, Anne Marie McReynolds. Composed during the summer of 2018, the three movements explore a wide array of moods and sonic atmospheres ranging from the mystical, to the contemplative, to soaring, vibrant passages.

A common rhythmic thread in the musical tapestry is adaptation of 'Anne of the Waves' as expressed in Morse Code: (.- -. -. . --- ..-. - ... . .-- .- ...- . ...). The code for a comma is also used: (--..--). The use of code refers to the fact that both Anne and Paul McReynolds are airplane pilots. Morse Code is still used today in aviation, although not nearly as much as in the past.

The rhythms in the music derived from code appear in a variety of contexts, such as sections in a lilting 6/8, a flowing waltz, and in a more abstract, sparkling way in the final movement. Wherever the code is used, it is clearly marked in the musical score. Since artistic liberties have been taken, the actual letters expressed may not always be clearly audible to a person versed in the code. However, it is not necessary to know Morse Code to enjoy this work. Musically, the rhythms resulting from its use serve as a unifying factor throughout.