November
“Come to thy home!”
Eliza Flower (1803–1846)
for solo voice and piano
performed by
Garreth Romain – Countertenor
Frances M Lynch – Piano
click on the blue arrow above to listen
The words of the song were written by Eliza’s sister Sarah Flower Adams (1805-1848), Poet, Singer and Actor
For the full text and information on the singers please go to the November News Page.
In nature the flower of this month is the chrysanthemum which symbolizes loyalty, friendship, and joy.
In December 1834, A J Novello published a volume of songs by Eliza Flower (1803–1846) entitled Songs of the Months. The short editorial introduction explains that each song appeared throughout 1834 in the Monthly Repository – a publication associated with South Place Chapel where Flower’s life and work was based.
During 2023 we are also serializing the songs – releasing recordings of them monthly, beginning on February 14th 2023, and ending on Jan 1st 2024.
Flower of the Month is part of our Eliza Flower Project for 2023. Please go to the main page to find out more and to her Minerva Scientifica Profile for information on her life.
The title page of Songs of the Months describes the volume as
A Musical Garland 
and addresses us as………
……………………………Children of the year,
We move in swift tho’ never wearying march,
Each richly gifted with a precious dower
Of differing beauty. Listen as we pass
Marking our pace by Music.
The composer of each of the 12 songs is Eliza Flower, who set poetry provided by her close knit circle of literary friends, mainly women, including her sister Sarah Flower Adams. The result is an eclectic mix of songs which vere from romantic to dramatic harmony and from simple beauty to lively humour.
They are collected as a musical garland for the hoary head of Time, a welcome for his comings, a benediction on his goings, and a march to quicken his steps when the road is thorny and toilsome.
October
“Falling Leaves”
Eliza Flower (1803–1846)
for mezzo and piano
performed by
Margaret Cameron – Mezzo
Frances M Lynch – Piano
click on the blue arrow above to listen
The words of the song were written by Eliza’s sister Sarah Flower Adams (1805-1848), Poet, Singer and Actor
For the full text and information on the singers please go to the October News Page.
In nature the flower of this month is the Marigold which represents grief in some sources and fierce love, passion and creativity in others!
September
“An Autumn Song”
Eliza Flower (1803–1846)
for soprano, mezzo and piano
performed by
Maxence Marmy – Soprano, Samantha Houston – Mezzo
click on the blue arrow above to listen
The words of the song were written by Mary Howitt (1799-1888) an English poet and author who is best know for her children’s poem “The Spider and the Fly“
For the full text and information on the singers please go to the September News Page.
In nature the flower of this month is Morning Glory which it seems the Victorians believed represented unrequited love, and indeed death.
August
“The Harvests of Time”
Eliza Flower (1803–1846)
for solo voice and piano
performed by
Laurence Panter – Tenor & Piano
click on the blue arrow above to listen
The words of the song were written by Harriet Martineau (1802-1876), journalist, writer, sociologist, abolitionist and political economist.
For the full text and information on the singer please go to the August News Page.
In nature the flower of this month is Gladiolus which seems to have all kinds of meanings attached to it from strength to healing, love and remembrance.
It is hoped that, should they become familiar in the social circle, while ‘voices keep tune,’ hearts will not lose time, but sustain this perennial chaunt of affection, enoyment and hope, which prolongs the ‘good wishes of the season,’ from happy new year to a merry Christmas.
July
“The Wanderer’s Lullaby”
Eliza Flower (1803–1846)
for solo voice and piano
performed by
Kezia Robson – Soprano
Frances M Lynch – Piano
click on the blue arrow above to listen
The words of the song were written by Eliza’s sister Sarah Flower Adams (1805-1848), poet, singer and actor.
For the full text and information on the singer please go to the July News Page.
In nature the flower of this month is Larkspur also known as delphinium, which represents love and joy.
June
“Summer Song for the Open Air”
Eliza Flower (1803–1846)
for acapella voices
performed by The Flower Singers from
ELECTRIC VOICE THEATRE’S
Young Singers Programme
click on the blue arrow above to listen
The words of the song were written by Catherine Partridge about whom we unfortunately know absolutely nothing so far!
For the full text and information on the singers please go to the June News Page.
In nature the flower of this month is the rose – a universal symbol of love.
May
“A May-day Memory”
Eliza Flower (1803–1846)
for solo voice and piano
performed by Frances M Lynch
click on the blue arrow above to listen
The words of the song were adapted from a poem ALEXANDER HUME (1809–1851) published in his book of “Scottish Songs”.
For the full text and information on the poet please go to the May News Page.
In nature the flower of this month is lily of the valley, known to symbolise humility, sweetness, the return of happiness and motherhood.
April
“Tears and Smiles”
Eliza Flower (1803–1846)
for solo soprano and piano
performed by Inna Husieva (soprano) & Frances M Lynch (piano)
The words were almost certainly written by Charles Reece Pemberton (1790-1840), Actor, Author and Lecturer.
For the full text and details of the singer please go to the April News Page.
In nature the flowers of this month are sweet peas symbolizing purity and innocence.
Released on April 19th 2023 to celebrate Eliza Flower’s Birthday
Click here for more celebrations
March
“Winds and Clouds”
Eliza Flower (1803–1846)
for solo voice and piano
performed by Jenny Miller (voice) & Frances M Lynch (piano)
The words of the song were written by Eliza’s sister Sarah Flower Adams (1805-1848) Poet & Singer
For the full text please go to the March News Page.
In nature the flower of this month is the Daffodil – the beginning of something new.
February
“St Valentine’s Day”
Eliza Flower (1803–1846)
for solo voice and piano
performed by Frances M Lynch
The words of the song were almost certainly written by Charles Reece Pemberton (1790-1840), Actor, Author and Lecturer
For the full text please go to the February News Page.
In nature the flower of this month is of course the Primrose symbolizing virtue and modesty!
raising the profile of music by women
