Flowers of the Forest by Reber Clark Concert Band - Sheet Music

SKU: CN.11461

Written as a memorial, "Flowers of the Forest" is based on a poem of the same name by the composer affirming the idea that death is a change and not an end. The simple haunting melody has echoes of a Scottish folk song with the bagpipe-like drone providing a foundation.

Flowers of the Forest was commissioned by Denise Tenney for the Cabot Junior High North Symphonic Band of Cabot, Arkansas in memory of her father, Charles Alexander. I was initially attracted to the title and later found out that it is also the title of a traditional Scottish lament for the loss of loved ones. This is not the traditional Scottish tune or words, but my words, and the melody that came from them, were written to affirm the idea that death is a change and not an end. In the deep abiding wooded glen Are the flowers of the forest And I know they hold true To the place wherein they grow. In the high forests of the lonely plains Midst the stormy winds of autumn They are there evermore Though the tempest rage on high. Though mankind in fruitless ways does strive To ensure a safe tomorrow. We can't know what will be And we cannot make a flower. So the smiles of those who are dear to us And the sun in clouds above Are more dear to our hearts Than the things that Man does prize. Than the things that Man does prize. When the sunlight falters through the dappled shade 'Neath the trees upon the mountain Then I know that the flowers Will be closing 'gainst the night. But the sun shall wake then in the morning light And they'll open to the brightness Of a day so renewed That its blazing won't expire.