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Music Library Thematic Displays: Flowers

This guide showcases resources from the George F. DeVine Music Library centered on specific themes. Selected themes reflect UT School of Music events and programs, as well as cultural celebrations.

Flowers

Flowers in Music

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May Display Case

May 2024

Flowers

Books

Flower Duets

In Delibe's opera Lakme, there is a duet in the first act between Lakme and her servant Mallika which is referred to as the "flower duet". This scene occurs at the beginning of the opera and happens while the two girls pick flowers by the river and discuss the upcoming spring.

Puccini's opera Madama Butterfly also has a duet commonly referred to as "the flower duet". In this scene Ciao-Ciao-San and her servant Suzuki as they collect flowers in preparation for Pinkerton's arrival. They plan to decorate the house with flowers to show the beauty of springtime in Japan. This opera premiered in 1904 at La Scala and achieved great success. 

The Flower Aria

In the opera Carmen, Don Jose has an aria where he sings about the rose Carmen gave him and how it will keep him hopeful during his prison stay. He was imprisoned after freeing Carmen because of his love of her. This Bizet opera premiered in 1875 and this is one of the most popular arias from it. 

Der Rosenkavalier

Der Rosenkavalier is an opera by Richard Strauss. It translates to “the Knight of the Rose” and follows a complicated love story between Sophie and Octavian. It was premiered at the Dresden Opera House in 1911. 

Heidenröslein

heidenröslein translation