Flower of the Month
December
“Winter Minstrelsy”
Eliza Flower (1803–1846)
for solo voice and piano
performed by
Gwion Thomas – Baritone
Frances M Lynch – Piano
The words of the song were almost certainly written by
Charles Reece Pemberton (1790-1840)
Actor, Author and Lecturer
Tinted lithograph of a drawing by Mrs E Bridell Fox, 1898/99 courtesy of Conway Hall Ethical Society
“Songs of the Months”
published by A J Novello, December 1834
The short editorial introduction explains that each song appeared throughout 1834 in the Monthly Repository – a publication associated with South Place Chapel where Flower’s life and work was based.
We have been releasing each song on video in its allotted month during 2024. The cycle is now complete and you can hear all of the recordings above and visit our NEW Eliza Flower Website for more information on the composer.
In nature the flower of this month isn’t really a flower!
Holly was a symbol of fertility and protection from witches! These days it is said to bring good fortune, peace and of course adds joy to the Christmas celebrations.
Gwion met Frances many years ago when they appeared together in Judith Weir’s first opera A Night at the Chinese Opera in its premiere with Kent Opera. Since then he has worked regularly with Electric Voice Theatre, and started to have success and a taste for the challenge of contemporary music-theatre, working successfully with companies here and abroad: such as WNO, Music Theatre Wales, Scottish Opera, Transparant Antwerp, Taller Amsterdam.
December
“Winter Minstrelsy”
C. Pemberton
The whispering foliage-song no more
Along the air is sweeping;
But, hush!– ‘twill chorus as before-
The spirit-leaves are sleeping;
December’s breath awhile shall be
The cradle of their melody.
Tho’ flowers not now their varied hues
In charmed union mingle;
Yet, look – the eye more richly views
The flower in beauty single.
And old December’s smile shall be
The perfumed tints’ right blazonry.
Tho’ warblers from the grove are gone,
Here’s yet a joyous fellow;
For, hark!- ‘tis Robin’s song, no one
Was ever half so mellow.
And old December chirps to be
So welcomed by that minstrelsy
Tho’ cold and storm-filled clouds career,
And o’er the casements darkle,
They make – turn round, the hearth is here –
The blaze more brightly sparkle.
December claps his hands in glee;
Most jovial round the hearth is he.
Then hail December! Let the soul,
The moments dark appearing
Make bright,- for it can change the whole
To beauty rich and cheering.
Old guest to thoughts in harmony
December ever welcome be.
