The Rose

SA, piano, optional string quartet
Lyrics: Christina Rossetti
Language: English
Duration: 3:30

The premiere (SATB) recording of The Rose is featured on my Winter Songs album (Decca Classics, 2017), performed by the Choir of Royal Holloway and 12 Ensemble.

Link to the album: Winter Songs

The lily has a smooth stalk,
Will never hurt your hand;
But the rose upon her brier
Is lady of the land.

There’s sweetness in an apple tree,
And profit in the corn;
But lady of all beauty
Is a rose upon a thorn.

When with moss and honey
She tips her bending brier,
And half unfolds her glowing heart,
She sets the world on fire.

RECORDING BELOW TEMPORARILY FEATURES SATB VERSION