Under the Same Sky / Yuichi Ura [Concert Band (Wind Band)]

Score and Parts or Score only (you can choose)

Duration：5'30"

Publisher：Golden Hearts Publications（ONSA）

PDF version is here
https://global.goldenheartspublications.com/products/ghua-01-pdf

Program notes:

Prince Nagaya (676 or 684-729) of Japan wished to achieve peace through the teachings of Buddhism and sent a thousand Buddhist monastic robes to China, requesting that renowned monks be sent to Japan. It is said that each robe was embroidered with the following Chinese poem. (English translation by the composer.)

山川異域　Although mountains and rivers differ from country to country,
風月同天　Winds and the moon share the same sky.
寄諸仏子　Sending a gift from our hearts to yours,
共結来縁　Wishing to create eternal unity.

Inspired by this poem, the Chinese monk Jianzhen (c. 688-763), after the death of Prince Nagaya, attempted to cross the sea six times before finally arriving in Japan in 753. It was a difficult journey, and he lost his sight along the way.

This is a tone poem composed using several types of pentatonic scales. The opening bassoon solo imitates the melody of traditional Japanese shigin (poetic recitation). In the final section, a melody based on one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1), is played against a background reminiscent of moonlight.
This piece is dedicated to the University of Iowa Bands as a token of our friendship and was premiered by the University of Iowa Concert Band on February 21, 2026.
Regarding the opening solo, if there are unavoidable circumstances, it is permissible to omit part or all of it.

（Yuichi Ura）

Reference music：

Instrumentation：
Flute 1
Flute 2 (opt.)
Oboe (opt.)
Bassoon (opt.)
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2
Bb Bass Clarinet
Eb Alto Saxophone
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone
Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2
F Horn 1&2 (2=opt.)
Trombone 1
Trombone 2 (opt.)
Euphonium
Tuba
Contrabass (opt.)
Glockenspiel
Xylophone, Vibraphone
Wind Chimes, Suspended Cymbal, Tam-tam
Snare Drum, Bass Drum