Flowers of the Forest (Piano Solo), traditional Scottish Folk Song and Lament

"Flowers of the Forest" is a tradition Scottish Folk Song which has evolved significantly over time. The melody is probably much older but a version of it appeared in an early 17th century collection called the Skene Manuscripts. This particular arrangement is for piano solo, though the melody's accompaniment is a basic set of chords simulating a bagpipe drone. Below is a video of the music being played, while below that you can play the mp3 file or see the sheet music. You can download the sheet music, midi and mp3 files using the links on the left-hand menu.

The original melody for Flowers of the Forest (as recorded in the Skene Manuscript) has been adapted for many purposes, most notably to fit words penned by Jean Elliot in the 18th century commemorating the death of James IV and his followers at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. The tune has been played and arranged for various instruments, but as an instrumental Lament it is often played on the Bagpipes (e.g. at Funerals and Remembrance Day services). To play this on other instruments (including Bagpipes, Oboe, etc.) with optional piano accompaniment, see our Flowers of the Forest arrangement in the bagpipe-friendly key of D. Other folk music can be found on our page about Folk Songs.