The Most Beautiful Flower-Inspired Classical Music

Did you know that January 10th is National Houseplant Appreciation Day? It was established in the 1980s by the Society of American Florists to promote the benefits of bringing plants inside our homes. Plants and especially flowers have, of course, long been a source of inspiration for composers. Here are 10 pieces inspired by flowers, complete with links to sheet music. So this 10th January, instead of talking to your houseplant, you could instead serenade it with an appreciative tune or two.

Delibes - Flower Duet

Delibes - Flower Duet

The exquisite "Flower Duet" (French: "Duo des fleurs/Sous le dôme épais") is a duet for sopranos from Léo Delibes’ opera Lakmé, first performed in Paris in 1883. The duet takes place in act 1 of the opera, between characters Lakmé, the daughter of a Brahmin priest, and her servant Mallika, as they go to gather flowers by a river.

Schubert - Heidenroslein (Little Rose on the Heath)

Schubert - Heidenroslein (Little Rose on the Heath)

"Heidenröslein" is a lied (a type of German art song) composed by Franz Schubert in 1815. It is based on a poem of the same name by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and it tells the story of a young man who is trying to pluck a wild rose (called a "Heidenröslein" in German) as a gift for his beloved. The poem and the song are deliciously delicate and romantic.

Tchaikovsky - Waltz of the Flowers

Tchaikovsky - Waltz of the Flowers

The Waltz of the Flowers is one of the most popular pieces from Tchaikovsky's ever-popular ballet The Nutcracker. It is heard during the second act Land of Sweets. The ballet is based on the story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," which was written by E.T.A. Hoffmann.

Bizet - La fleur que tu m'avais jetée

Bizet - La fleur que tu m'avais jetée

"La fleur que tu m'avais jetée" is an aria from the opera "Carmen" by Georges Bizet. The aria is sung by the character Don José, a soldier, who reflects on the flower that Carmen, a gypsy woman, had thrown to him when he was in prison. The song is a poignant and emotional moment in the opera, and its melody is beautiful and memorable.

Trad - 茉莉花 Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower)

Trad - 茉莉花 Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower)

"Mo Li Hua" (also known as "Jasmine Flower") is a Chinese folk song that is popular in China and other parts of East Asia. It is a love song that celebrates the beauty and fragrance of the jasmine flower. The song is characterized by its simple, catchy melody and lyrics that are full of imagery and symbolism. It is often performed at weddings and other special occasions. "Mo Li Hua" is also the national flower song of Taiwan.

Trad. - Down by the Sally Gardens

Trad. - Down by the Sally Gardens


"Down by the Sally Gardens" is a traditional Irish song that is often played on the flute or whistle. The song is about a man who has lost his love and is lamenting her absence. The lyrics reference the Sally Gardens, which is a real place located in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It is believed to be named after a type of wildflower that grows in the area. The song is considered a classic of Irish folk music.

Delius - The Walk to the Paradise Garden from A Village Romeo and Juliet

Delius - The Walk to the Paradise Garden from A Village Romeo and Juliet


"The Walk to the Paradise Garden" is a composition for solo piano by English composer Frederick Delius. It is the third movement of Delius's tone poem "A Village Romeo and Juliet." The piece is characterized by its lush, romantic melodies and sweeping harmonies, and is often performed as a stand-alone concert work.

Trad - Wildwood Flower

Trad - Wildwood Flower


"Wildwood Flower" is a traditional American folk song that was made popular by the Carter Family in the 1920s. The song is about a woman who is lamenting the loss of her lover, and the lyrics describe her as being like a wildflower that will eventually wither and die without him. The song is often performed on the acoustic guitar or banjo, and its simple, melodic structure makes it a popular choice for sing-alongs.

Michael Praetorius - Es ist ein Ros entsprungen

Michael Praetorius - Es ist ein Ros entsprungen


"Es ist ein Ros entsprungen" is a German Christmas carol that translates to "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" in English. It is a hymn that tells the story of the birth of Jesus and how he is the saviour of the world. The carol is based on the traditional German hymn, "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen," which was written in the 16th century. The hymn has been translated into many languages and is now a popular Christmas carol in many countries around the world. It is often sung during Christmas services and other holiday events.

Harry Dacre - Daisy Bell

Harry Dacre - Daisy Bell


"Daisy Bell" (also known as "Daisy, Daisy") is a popular song that was written in 1892 by Harry Dacre. It is best known for its refrain, "Daisy, Daisy / Give me your answer, do / I'm half crazy / All for the love of you". The song was one of the first to be performed by a computer singing synthesized vocals, and it has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and other media. The song has a simple, catchy melody and lyrics that are light and playful, and it remains a popular choice for singing and whistling to this day.