| Category: | Musical composition |
| Dated: | New York City, June, 1950 |
| Instrumentation: | for voice and (closed) piano |
| Duration: | 4' |
| Premiere and performer(s): | January 20, 1952. Hunter Playhouse, Hunter College, New York. John Cage, piano (and possibly voice). Performed with Lippold choreography |
| Other performances: | * May 18, 1952. Henry Street Playhouse, New York. John Cage, piano. Performed with Lippold choreography. |
| Dedicated to: | for Louise Lippold |
| Choreography: | The Flower by Louise Lippold |
| Published: | Edition Peters 6711 © 1960 by Henmar Press |
| Manuscript: | Score (holograph copy in ink - 4 p.) in New York Public Library. |
| The work is written in a double rhythmic structure, following the structure of the dance for which it was
written: 7x7 measures of 5/4 (1-3-1-2) and 5x5 measures of 10/4
(½-1½-½-1-1½). The singer should vocalize without vibrato, as in folk singing, except where indicated. Transpositions may be made in order to sing in a low and comfortable range. The piano lid is closed and should be knocked on, either on the front part, or on the back part. Two ways of knocking are indicated: with the fingers or with the knuckles of a closed fist. The dance being suggestive of flora, Cage tried to suggest fauna in the music. |