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Programme Note

FLOS UT ROSA FLORUIT (1991) – for mixed choir (SSATB)


The concept of Mary has a depth that transcends all religious persuasions. All over the earth symbols of the gentle and maternal are known. But the word ´Maria´is also associated - in sound - with the Latin word for the sea, mare, and she thus becomes the Star of the Sea, Maris Stella.
In my Thirds Symphony the Maria motif is used in a hymn in the second, and last, part of the work. Flos ut rosa floruit was composed directly in the context of the symphony, and the melody had a ´stamina´ that carried it over into many later compositions, fx ”Fons Laetitiae” (for sopran or tenor and harp or luth), ”Nova Genitura” (sopran and 6 instrumenter) and "Twilight" for orchestra.
Later the melody was the basis for ”Ut Rosa” (for 12 voices), and my "Harp Concert nr. 2 - ´..through thorns´.
The simple choral version of "Flos ut rosa floruit" is from 1991, and to be performed by equal voices (SSA) and/or for mixed choir (SSATB).


Per Nørgård