The Flower (2011)
(Version for mixed choir and tenor/baritone solo)

Composer's Note
Early in 2007, while staying at the Old Rectory in Bemerton, I set four verses of George Herbert's poem 'The Flower' at the suggestion of Canon Judy Rees of the George Herbert in Bemerton Group, who had invited a number of composers to make new settings of Herbert's poetry as hymns for congregational use. I subsequently re-worked this simple hymn-tune into the present more elaborate version as a short anthem for unaccompanied choir.

First performance on 20 Novmber 2011 at Birmingham Town Hall given by Ex Cathedra, conducted by Jeffrey Skidmore.

The Flower is recorded by Ex Cathedra, directed by Jeffrey Skidmore, on the CD Shared Ground (Signum SIGCD270).