Flowers of the forest

SATB divisi, 5’50”

Based on a tune found in Skene manuscripts, the melody of this Scottish bagpipe lament is often played in solemn memorial events. Jean Elliot of Minto (1727 – 1805) wrote poetry to the tune as a lament to the deaths of James IV and 10,000 men at the 1513 Battle of Flodden. The text describes the grief of women and children at the loss of their young men, and contrasts between happier times and the devastation following the battle.

World premiere by Victoria Chorale, 19 August 2018.

Subsequent performances: Vox Camerata, 25 June 2022; One Chamber Choir, 19 March 2023.

This work is published by Muziksea. Sample score and purchase of music can be done here.