Short Songs is a collection of 8 short (sometimes very short) songs, written to be a loosely-related collection of miniatures. The songs can be performed in any order, and performers are encouraged to order them as fluidly or jarringly as they wish. The songs are each shorter than 2 minutes, with the shortest being aboutContinue reading “Short Songs”
Author Archives: nbusch3898
Phos Hilaron
This ethereal setting of the Phos Hilaron is set for 7 independent vocal parts, unaccompanied. The Phos Hilaron is one of the oldest Christian hymns that are known today, and was traditionally sung at the lighting of the first lamps at Vespers in the Orthodox tradition. This setting does not attempt to clearly convey theContinue reading “Phos Hilaron”
Blueprints: for Solo Ride Cymbal
Blueprints: for Solo Ride Cymbal was written as a part of the Western University Composition Competition in 2018. The piece explores unconventional performance practices on the Cymbal, and does not require any mallets or sticks to perform. The unfolding of the piece highlights the differing overtones possible in the resonance of the cymbal when struckContinue reading “Blueprints: for Solo Ride Cymbal”
to wait; dreaming
to wait; dreaming is a percussion quartet written for and dedicated to the Kairos Percussion Quartet. This piece explores unconventional performance practices and approximate notation for the quartet, in an effort to create a reactive aggregate sound with an inhuman, yet distinctly vocal quality. This piece is heavily inspired by the dream sequence in TheContinue reading “to wait; dreaming”
Tantum Ergo
This Communion Motet is a setting of the final two verses of St. Thomas Aquinas’ chant Pange lingua, scored for mixed voices without division. The text is an adoration of the Eucharist, and is suitable to be sung during communion at any time of year. This setting quotes the chant directly in the soprano line,Continue reading “Tantum Ergo”
Concerto with the Strings of St. John’s
15 November, 2026 at 2:00pm I am honored to be one of the guest musicians performing with the Strings of St. John’s this year! This concert on November 15 will include a selection of orchestral pieces, of which I will be joining for Winterfall by Steve Parsons, and the Gerald Finzi Eclogue. I will alsoContinue reading “Concerto with the Strings of St. John’s”
Benefit Concert with Heidi Lagace
16 July, 2026 at 7:00pm Come hear a wonderful evening of Flute music in support of local food banks. The program will include the First Matrinů Flute Sonata, the Bach Flute Sonata in E major, and Claude Bolling’s Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano. Rather than a fee for entry, Heidi has asked that attendeesContinue reading “Benefit Concert with Heidi Lagace”
Kairos: Twisted Ritual at Open Ears
6 June, 2026 at 8:00pm Come support this wonderful percussion quartet as they showcase a concert of new music, including a premiere of my piece to wait: dreaming. I am so thankful to the members of the Kairos Percussion Quartet for their hard work on this new premiere, and crafting such a stunning program forContinue reading “Kairos: Twisted Ritual at Open Ears”
30-Year Anniversary of the KUC Organ: Concert
This year marks the 30-year anniversary of the installation of the pipe organ at Kanata United Church. This instrument was a feat to acquire, and is a staple in the worship and music programs at KUC. On January 26 at 3:00pm, come out and hear a concert featuring organists from within the community at KUC andContinue reading “30-Year Anniversary of the KUC Organ: Concert”
Oliver Messiaen – Visions de l’Amen 2. Amen des étoiles, de la planète à l’anneau
Nicholas Busch, piano Megaria Halim, piano Recorded October 26, 2024 in Trinity Anglican Church, Ottawa, ON. Please check out Megaira Halim on her website, found here.