Haru No Umi by Michio Miyagi

Haru No Umi

by Michio Miyagi (1894–1956)

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.

Watch a scrolling score video of Haru No Umi

This arrangement is based on a public domain work only in the U.S. and Canada. Sales are restricted to these countries.