Haru No Umi Woodwind Ensemble - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.1919193

Arranged for 2 Piccolos, 4 Flutes, Alto Flute, Bass Flute, and Optional Contrabass Flute by L. M. van Burken

Michio Miyagi originally wrote this piece for koto and shakuhachi in 1929. It became very popular after Miyagi recorded it in 1932 with a French violinist. The piece remains popular to this day and is commonly heard during New Year’s celebrations in Japan. It begins with a contemplative, slower section inspired by imagery of the seaside of the Seto Inland Sea — the motion of the waves and the birds that play upon them. It then moves into a fast and joyful allegro that expresses the exuberance of spring, before returning to the original contemplative theme.

This arrangement for flute ensemble mimics the sounds of the shakuhachi and koto. Performers are encouraged to listen to recordings of the original version with traditional instruments to deepen their understanding of the piece.

Performance Notes:

• Flutists should use expressive vibrato on the long phrases and may add simple ornaments if desired (e.g., Flute 1, m.3).
• Articulated short notes should be played as if plucked (e.g., Flutes 2 and 3 at the beginning).
• Campanella sections should be played like gongs or bells.
• Flutter tonguing should resemble the sound of strings being scraped.
• The tempo markings are suggestions and may be adjusted as needed.
• Flute 4 doubles the Alto Flute part; either or both may be used.
• The Contrabass Flute part is optional and doubles the Bass Flute part.