The Lion's Den

wow! -that-'s the flower duet? that -is- pretty! i find it amazing how many cultural references we can recognize but not identify.

Oh yes, this is one of 4 or 5 songs that I have heard in my life and gone on a quest to find. I whistled the Flower Duet to classical music store clerks and aficionados in many cities over many months before a clerk in New York was able to ID it for me. Nearly drove me nuts Penguin.

"Oh Fortuna" by Apotheosis was probably my longest quest. I identified the song after 4 stores (thank you to Orpheum Records in Seattle with the most knowledgeable clerks for electronica/dance that I have found yet) but by the time I got an ID it had been pulled from the Rave 'Til Dawn CD (due to legal issues with the sample from Carmina Burana they used). I searched in record stores in Seattle, Bellevue, Olympia and San Francisco before I finally found a copy of the track in the dark basement of a punk record store in the East Village in New York some three years later. I then had to find the girl who had sent me on the quest to begin with so I could deliver the album.

I have heard this duet on a few TV commercials and just last night heard the Duet in full on my local NPR. unreal...
even my 7 year old was captivated.

I heard this song on classic arts TV, a least-watched cable-channel. It was played along with an interesting 3-D computer animation of the opera.

I recognized it as being used in the soundtrack of several movies, TV shows, etc. It is all over the place!

I ordered two CDs of it from Amazon. My new music-on-hold this month...

I guess it is like one of the top 10 "hits 'o opera" that almost anyone recognizes, if they cannot identify - like the Barber of Seville or Carmen....

This is one of those songs that get into your head and wont go away. Thanks to the internete, I now know it's name and Opera.

Could you help me with the English translation which may be sung to the music.

Thank you,

Sandra

I, too, heard this piece of music and was forced on a quest to find it. The version I ended up with was from the Toronto Symphony as heard on Music and Company, out of Canada, on CBC2 radio. I can't believe there are others out there who were also so affected! Thanks.

I adore this song in its entirety... it has tremendous sentimental value to me. It's one of those melodies that is so exquisitely beautiful, especially when it is performed well.

O Fortuna as well is a difficult but rewarding find. If these are attractive, I also recommend Franz Schubert's Standchen, especially the arrangement by Lizst, and W. A. Mozart's Angus Dei. Those are two that have tugged at me for years. Angus Dei was also transcribed for strings by Samuel Barber (his is called Adagio for Strings), and I must say that either version is a guaranteed sob-fest if you devote attention to it.

Just my plug; music afficionados should share the love, you know. Besides, these songs are my definite must-haves if I were to ever get married or have a similar event... Beautiful beautiful music.

Ah yes, O Fortuna is an incredible song and another one that sent me on a quest. In the case of O Fortuna it was actually a techno remix by the group Apotheosis that got me going. I searched music stores in four different cities before I found the original Apotheosis mix of the song, I now have two different performances of the orchestral version and 3 techno mixes all of which are excellent.

Adagio for strings is a whole other story. There are a few pieces in my music library that can make me melancholy, but Adagio is probably the only one that is guaranteed to bring me to tears every single time I listen to it. I once had a professor define art as 'a work that causes an emotional response'. By this definition Adagio for Strings is the epitome of art.

I heard it live at Christmas Eve Mass in Madrid last year and I couldn't stand not knowing what was it. At the end thanks to one colleague who played it in his laptop, I could finally look for it. Here are the lyrics. Enjoy it!

Sous le dome epais
Ou le blanc jasmin
A la rose sÕassemble,
Sur la rive en fleurs,
Riant au matin,
Viens, descendons ensemble.

Doucement glissons;
De son flot charmant
Suivons le courant
Fuyant; Dans
LÕonde fremissante.
DÕune main nonchalante,

Viens, gagnons le bord
Ou la souree dort.
Et lÕoiseau,
LÕoiseau chante.

Sous le dome epais,
Sous le blanc jasmin,
Ah! descendons ensemble!

and the English translation:
Under a dome of white jasmine
With the roses entwined together
On a river bank covered with flowers laughing in the morning

Gently floating on it's charming risings
On the river's current
On the shining waves
One hand reaches
Reaches for the bank
Where the spring sleeps and
The birds, the birds sing.

Under a dome of white jasmine
Ah! calling us
Together!

Under a dome of white jasmine
With the roses entwined together
On a river bank covered with flowers laughing in the morning
Let us descend together
Gently floating on it's charming risings,
On the river's current
On the shining waves,
One hand reaches,
Reaches for the bank,
Where the spring sleeps,
And the birds, the birds sing.

Under a dome of white jasmine
Ah! calling us
Together!

This is one of my favorite songs! I think the word that describes it is "sublime". There's something about it that makes you completely happy. When I heard it for the first time, it seemed familiar. I heard it on a short film on Sundance called "Strange Invaders". Then I heard it on NPR a few weeks later. This song is so addictive!

Recently I heard a version of "Flower Duet" in an ad for a PBS program. Of course I didn't catch what the ad was for and have not seen it again. Anyway, back to the "Flower Duet"...it was a mix with a slow jazzy back beat, not the faster beat dance versions of Luminaire. Does anyone know who this version is by? Thanks for any information.

I have heard a much slower more melancholy version from the soundtrack to the movie "The Hunger". Perhaps this is the one you are referring to?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000001540/qid=1076404807/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/002-1579043-5315221

That is seriously the best song in the entire world. That and Habanera from Carmen. The Flower Song is just beautiful beyond description!

Hi all

was lured to this site when searching for the english translation to this song.. Thought you'd all like to know that I had heard this song soo long ago- never knew what it was, or even the title. So now I am getting married in June. In my own back yard gardens.. and I asked my sister about this song- tried to hum it for her.. I said "Itjust reminds me of a morning garden wedding and flowers" She says all sarchastially
"You mean like the Flwer Duet possibly?" and played it for me ( she had it in her collection the little know it al) and I said- THAT'S IT! She laughed and said " well you should like it, it's french and it's called the flower duet" ( I speak a very decent amount of french and love gardening!) So being that I am getting married in June, on a sunday MORNING, in my gardens.. I think it was rather funny what this song turned out to be and how I always loved it wihout even knowing what it was about!

Seeing as how you are all fans of the song- I thought i'd share. Enjoyed reading your comments and appreciated the translation.. this was too tough for me to translate.. I got that is had birds singing and morning and jasmin and roses and all... haha

Be well!

I enjoyed reading everyone's post...it's interesting to find that this song has had such an impact on others. I first noticed Flower Duet when it was playing in the background on the movie The American President in the scene where the two main characters are having dinner. It has stuck in my mind ever since. I eventually bought the movie, read the credits and narrowed it down to one of two songs listed. Recently I found a CD at the local Media Play that had Flower Duet listed on it and was delighted to find that I had truly found the song. It is definitely captivating, impossible to keep from humming and perfect for a garden wedding.

Hi, found this site by accident, and im glad i did. I saw a preview for the Movie "A Midsummer Nights Dream" about 4/5 years back and the music was enchanting in the background.. i couldnt get it out of my head. I didnt know who it was or what it was called, the movie never had a soundtrack which made it harder for me to find. After a few months I heard the song on a CD but it was a much slower version of the original that i had heard, so wasnt sure if it was the same piece of music. Thank god though with the wonders of the Internet, i was not only able to find the name but also the Song in Full, which was the 30 seconf Clip i heard all those years ago (it never left my head). I never knew until today that so many people are as intrigued as I am by the piece of music. Thanks.

I'm just entranced with this song! I recall hearing it in the background of some arthouse films and am grateful to whomever provided the translation above. It is the perfect song and the most exquisite duet ever.

Leopoldo here, owner and operator of GeekRoar.com. I just wanted to say how delighted I have been at all the comments from people as enchanted with the Flower Duet as I am. There are times when I wonder what it is about this aria that is so entrancing but I quickly decided to abandon that train of though fearing that analyzing the piece might deprive it of some of it's magic.

I stumbled upon this thread in my search for an English translation of the "Flower Duet," and I suppose because I also wondered if others were as captivated by this song. Like J, I first heard the "Flower Duet" on the Sundance channel a year ago during a viewing of "Strange Invaders." The credits ran by quickly and all I caught was the word "flower." After an intense web search, I finally found the song. I've enjoyed reading the stories others had to share. Thank you!

There's another version by jazz percussionist Gary Burton and pianist Makoto Ozone, on their Virtuosi CD, which is all marimba/piano arrangements of art music with jazz improvisations. I'm not crazy about the jazz sections of the flower duet, but the tune itself is wonderful on marimba and piano. I too found this site by looking for an English translation of the duet--thanks!

The most beautiful, magical, full of light and life song I have ever heard. I have been listening to it for days non stop either via cd or in my head. Always a fan of music but never a fan of opera until now. I feel as if the angels are singing when I hear this piece. It's changing my life as I listen.....joyfully!

I first heard this being performed by two ladies from the Royal College Music whilst we were supporting a Cathedral restoration project and was breathtaken by the power and beauty of this enchanting music. And that's from a hard-rock guitarist (in my spare time!).

Anyone seen this 3D animation Robert mentioned somewhere in the Net? I am desperately looking for it...

So, does anyone know which version PBS is using? It's been mezmerizing me for some time and the song itself has been "mine" for many years...I MUST find this version!

Hello, I am so happy for this opera.
I´m looking for years this them, and is my now.
Ido´nt so much to music, but the Tow Flowers I loved.
exceseme my english, my country is Mexico. bay.
ARTURO

I heard this song in the British Telecom advert on tv and was entranced too. Imagine my delight when I heard it on the True Romance soundtrack! Brilliant movie and great soundtrack. Snapped it up immediately. Nice to hear others think its wonderful too. I'm suprised not many people know this song tho!

Hello, yes, the flower duet is soo beautiful. Thankyou for the lyrics, before i didn't know it was about jasmin, which is nice because that's my name! It made me feel so proud to have my name in such a divine song. I read about the lady whos going to have this song playing at her wedding, it sounds so perfect! Lucky us who have such good taste in music and know this beautiful song!

Hey this is Rach, I am looking for the lyrics to the old opera song Habanera from Carmen can any one find the lyrics for me in is original language and in english

Hi! I stumbled into this page looking for other Delibes' Lakme... especially the "flower duet." I am really amazed how this song has touched the people here (and countless others out there) by its fresh simplicity and fluidity. This is the definite stress-buster when you're stuck in traffic. I have to say this, Pachelbel's Canon in D and John Harle's "Spiritu" music in his album Silencium, are my favorite pieces. "Spiritu" is like the "Flower Duet" wherein it's a female duet sung in the most angelic way. Amazon has a sample i think.

I first heard the Flower Duet in the movie The Hunger;likewise liked the slower version. Either way the duet touches the heart. Also, love Canon in D...if you like this then you may find Vaugh Williams' Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis very beautiful.

Hi! The flower duet is gorgeous!! If anyone would like, I sang the first part 'Dôme Épais' in choir, and, I still have the music for it, so, if anyone would like a copy, just e-mail me, at dyan_101@hotmail.com

There is a singer named David Usher who uses samples from this opera in one of his songs titled "Black, Black Heart". The first time I heard the song I immediately had to find out what the operatic piece was. If you can, I suggest you have a listen. I hope you like it as much as I did. Cheers!

Regarding The Flower Duet: I recently heard the PBS jazzy version of The Flower Duet, fell in love with what little I heard and have been on an obesessive mission to find it. My search actually led me here. I think the track may by the mother/daughter duo Katie and Maggie Noonan. The mother sings opera, the daughter sings jazz. The daughter also sings with a group, Elixer. The Flower Duet is on Katie and Maggie's new CD titled Two of a Kind. However, I have not been able to listen to samples so I'm not 100% certain it's the same track that PBS plays. It's an import, about $30 and I don't want to purchase it without being certain it is THE ONE!
If anyone can direct me to samples of the cd I'd greatly appreciate it.
Shirley

I just went to a vocal recital and was absolutely captivated by this heavenly aria, which was performed beautifully, by two amateurs no less! My husband and I can't recall what t.v. commercials we have heard this piece in, can anyone out there tell us? It's driving us crazy! Thanks and I'm so in love with this piece now!

Darn it! I thought Katie and Maggie Noonan's rendition of the Flower Duet was the one from the PBS commercial but it's not. Nonetheless, it is beautiful:
http://www.hmv.com.au/product/easylistening.asp?sku=919478

Opera Babes has a nice techno/version but I'm still on the hunt for the jazzy version from the PBS commercial.

Hi Michelle,
It could have been PBS or British Airlines, although I don't know if BA is still using it as their theme music. The one that I'm looking for was playing on PBS during their Masterpiece Theatre previews. I've checked Masterpiece theaters theme songs but The Flower Duet is not listed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I just went to a vocal recital and was absolutely captivated by this heavenly aria, which was performed beautifully, by two amateurs no less! My husband and I can't recall what t.v. commercials we have heard this piece in, can anyone out there tell us? It's driving us crazy! Thanks and I'm so in love with this piece now!

I heard bits of it long ago, asked my music teacher what it was, she was not sure what peace of music I am talking about... I constantly listened to classics just to hunt Flower Duet. When I succeded for the first time, I could not do anything else than cry of happyness, it brings me to heaven :)

I emailed PBS regarding their Flower Duet rendition. It's been about a 2 weeks now and no word.
Shirley

Ahhh, PBS responded! PBS used only excerpts from the Coco de Mer rendition of the Flower Duet. The track is a mixture of opera, jazz, and hip hop rap. I bought it and I actually like the entire track and cd.
Shirley

>Thanks for emailing WHYY,
>From the description, I believe you saw a promo >with music from the opera
>"Lakme: Flower Duet."
>The version used was from the cd:
>Coco de Mer
>Adam / Abney, Chiffon Plack (Composer), Adam / >Rechtman, Ilan Plack
>(Composer), Adam Plack (Composer)

Oh, excellent, thank you for posting the info :-)

I just heard the Flower Duet on last week's episode of Nip/Tuck and, like so many of you, was immediately captivated by its beauty and simplicity. I attempted to contact FX for the title but received no response. Luckily, it was a featured song on a commercial that I saw today. However, if anyone saw Nip/Tuck and happens to know who performed that version, I would appreciate your passing it on! Thanks!

Ardee,
I found the following post on the Nip/Tuck Forum. Unfortunately they don't state who is actually performing the piece. I checked the most recent Nip/Tuck soundtrack released 06/04 but the Flower Duet is not listed. Since it is this 'seasons' music, more than likely the aria will be listed on the next Nip/Tuck soundtrack.
(love that show!)
Shirley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nip/Tuck Forum TV Tome

http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/ShowForumPage/showid-17095/threadid-69909/page-2
Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 3:16 PM Title:
The Opera in yesterday's episode of nip/tuck is commonly known as "The Flower Duet" From Lakme By Delibes, it is also featured in a British Airways Commercial...enjoy

Other than opera officianados, most people's first real experience with the song was indeed the British Airways commercials of years gone by. And guess who did THAT rendition??? Yep, that swarthy lookin' Greek goddess that goes by the stage name "Yanni"...just kidding about the goddess thing.

If you ever have the opportunity to watch his "Live At The Acropolis" DVD, you'll be treated to an incredible performance of his "Aria"...which is of course Delibe's Flower Duet. It's really a must see.

And as everybody here has written, it truly IS one of the most moving pieces I have ever heard.

Ran

Ardee,

Yeah, I heard it on Nip/Tuck last week as well. So totally captivating is the song, that I nearly cried during that "twins separation" scene...and I'm a guy!

I'm tellin' ya....do Nip/Tuck's producers know how to pick music for those surgery scenes or what?!!

Ran

Yes they do! A couple of years ago I purchased a fantastic CD by KOOP (Waltz for KOOP). Not classical music by any means, it is one of the best techno/jazz/vocals CD's I've ever heard. And I was absolutely delighted and surprised to hear it played on NIP/TUCK. It was the only time that I'd heard the CD played anywhere. Yes, they do have great soundtracks.
Shirley

There is a nice english version of Flower Duet on a cd called "The Classical Child at the Opera" which also has other great songs to hear and sing to from Carmen,Barber of Seville, Hansel and Gretel and others. The lyrics are included. I think you could find the cd at www.metromusic.com.

I have been enchanted by this aria forever..I once heard a choir singing it at the Notre Dame in Paris on a very cold wet morning.. it was beyond sublime. Another "Flower Duet" worth tuning into is the Flower Duet from Pucinni's Madame Butterfly.. esp. with Renato Tebaldi signing Cio-Cio San.. also sublime and soaring.

Excuse my broken English, im from São Paulo, Brazil, and was searching Google over this beautiful "Flowers Duet", because it was played at a movie that i cant remember the name. The plot about the music: a young student lived at a boardinghouse and took the main actress there. He told her that his dream was to play the "Flowers Duet" while making love with the woman of his life, and takes her to his bed. Sometime after she goes to his house, because he wasnt looking for her anymore, and when she approaches his room, she hears the song and .. he his in bed with another girl. So, she puts fire at the house. PLEASE, do you remember of this movie? Help me

Also featured very prominently in the wonderful Canadian film, "I've Heard the Mermaids Singing." Worth renting if not for the "Polly flying to Lakme" scenes alone. :)

My favourite is still the original Mady Mesple version.

Someone mentioned looking for the 3D animation done to the flower duet.

It featured two hands moving to the melody and forming animal shapes. It was done in 1993 by Pascal Roulin and won several awards, most notably at the Imagina festival dedicated to new technologies. It's available on tape with other animated shorts done to opera music. The collection is called
Opéra imaginaire

Strongly recommend using iTunes to search for music. U can play portions of it to see if its what u r looking 4 n i don't even own an ipod.

I first heard the "Dôme épais" duet in the movie "Someone to Watch Over Me" (1987), and I have been searching for it, off and on, until yesterday. I finally heard a snippit from a late-night TV ad for the CD "The Opera Album," and tracked it down.

Other movies where it was used can be found at:

http://www.bohemianopera.com/moviescompD.htm

I did find several versions, mostly with Joan Sutherland, on iTunes. I purchases one, and sat up 'til 3:00 a.m., listning to it over and over.

That is a great link.. Than you! :-)

Hey! I have been desperately searching for this mystery song ever since i heard it on a trailer for my all-time favorite movie "Much ado about nothing" I got my first clue while doing homework and listening to the classical station and they played a clip. I was ecstatic and listened carefully for the name. I didn't know how to spell Lakme so i got onto google and typed every it every way possible until i found it. Now I just have to find the version of it that I heard. If anyone knows about the version I heard on the trailer, I'm dying to finish up my quest for the flower duet... THANKS!!
-candace

Hi Candace,

my research pulled up the following information:

Much Ado About Nothing (soundtrack)

Rating: - A Musical Dream: A Listening Pleasure
The soundtrack and score to this film version of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream " is a breathtaking and beautiful collection. Despite the complaint that the Flower Duet from Lakme (which was apparently featured in the trailer for this film) was not used means really nothing when you hear what they cooked up for this great musical compilation album.

Re: Song from the trailer
The song featured on the trailer was called "Aria", by Yanni. It's based on a classical piece but the version in the trailer is Yanni's.

Listen to a sample at:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004YRG3/002-5213987-0718415?v=glance

Happy Listening,
Shirley

Lesley Garrett does a wonderful rendition of the "Flower Duet" (Dome epais from Lakme) on a collection titled "Diva!". The first cut (La Wally) on the album is also captivating. You'll recall it from the movie "The Philidephia Story" (Tom Hanks .... I think that's the correct title.)

The Lesley Garrett album is titled "Divas!" (with the Philhadelphia Orchestra cuonducted by Andrew Greenwood, SSD1007 released by Silva America records.

Wow, its hard to beieve that after almost a year, people are still finding their way here. I found this place while searching for the lyrics, as have a lot of others. The flower duet is a most beautiful song. Its one of those pieces that everyone has heard but they just don't know the title. This song makes me so much happier everytime I hear it ^_^

I am also amazed by how many people find this page and how many share in the experience of having been moved by the Flower Duet. What puzzles me is this: if you, like me, were enchanted by the song without knowing it's name, how eventually did you find out it was the Flower Duet? I made a conscious decision that it was perfectly acceptable to look like a Jackass until I found out what the name of the song was and walked into classical department after classical department whistling the tune to one attendant after another (in 3 cities none the less) until one finally recognized the tune and sold me a CD with the aria on it. How did other people find it? How did you find my post to it? (I assume you got the name before you found my post)

I was spellbound first time I heard the Flower Duet on the BA advert. Upon my quest to find out the name I came across the Aria on a Yanni cassette and this was around 9 years ago. Well, 3 years on I finally found the correct name of the song/composer - highly addictive indeed! Such a beautiful piece of music that will NEVER EVER tire in my music collection.

Leopoldo, your comment posted on February 3, 2004 09:21 AM (I once had a professor define art as 'a work that causes an emotional response'). The Flower Duet has that affect on me. Thank you kindly for the lyrics and I'm happy I found this website.

Kind regards,

the first time I heard it or paid attention to it was on the British Airway commercial a few years ago. I purchased it immediately. I found this site when I was searching for the title of the jazzy rendition that I heard on the a PBS commercial. I googled 'flower duet jazz' and whoala, to my surprise your song de jour site popped up.
Thank you
~Shirley

Just popped on to make a comment about how amazed I was to see so many people from all over the world searching for the flower duet just like I was. I'm from Guam. I heard it on Nip/Tuck and on other TV spots and movies, always wondering what it was, but knowing I had to find it. I've got it now. What is it about this song? Absolutely enchanting. It goes to show really good music has the ability break boundaries and bring people together. I read through all the comments and thought the same things in my head.

For you music connoisseurs out there, another recommendation of out of this world music, works by composer Morten Lauridsen, Lux Aeterna, O Magnum Mysterium, O Nata Lux, etc. Check it out and tell me what you think.

Hello,

I want to ask you if you know if there is a song that uses the motive from the flower duet in its chorus while a man is singing in the verses?I would appreciate it very much.Even if you could tell me all other songs that feature the flower duet?thanks...

Found this:
Bell Song sung by Lily Pons

Cheers,
Avi

this is really a far fetched question... i'm in search of a particular Puchini aria and have been in anble tofind it :( it's pretty well none and i think it might be from madame butterfly but im not sure help!!

Nicole:

Could you be thinking of "O Mio Babbino Caro" from Puccini's "Gianni Schicchi" (pronounced Johnny Skeekee)?

There's sample here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000002SCE/qid=1100175390/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/104-0668048-9978316

I heard Dou Des Fluers while in a store called L'Occitane in Soho. It was closing time and we were hurried to the door. I hummed the tune to anyone who would listen in hopes that someone would remember what sound track it was from so I could look it up,no avail. This was in late August. On a return trip to NYC in October, I went back to L'Occitane to see if the store had a recorded playlist. Yes they did! A CD by Muzak with the printed playlist missing. I was told that the nearby store called Clarins had the same CD and may have the playlist still. Eurecka! A copy was made and now to figure out which of the ten songs it might be. Then in the car I hear it, a sublime tune it is. Sung by Beverly Sils and Joan Sutherland... The FLower Duet. Now I want to know where I have heard this before because it is so haunting a melody. Which brings me to this site and to Leopold I say, THANK YOU!

You are most welcome :-)

Like so many others here, I found this site while I was looking for the lyrics of this absolutely enchanting song... I can't stop listening to it, I sing and whistle it all the time. (I have the Charlotte Church version.. I envy her.. *grr*)
I think that the ultimate way to experience this song is by singing it yourself...but..I'd be afraid to ruin it... I'll stick to listening... ;)

Thanks for the translation, I'll use it in french class... :)

I too found this site while doing a Google Search search for the Flower Song from Lakme. I will be walking down the aisle to the Flower Song when I get married next summer. I chose it because the song makes me feel like I'm floating, which is exactly how I expect I'll be feeling in that precious moment. If what people have said on this forum is any indication, the song will likely be special for many of our guests, which makes it an even more poignant choice.

Thanks to the operator of GEEKROAR, everyone who has shared their feelings about the Flower Song thus far. Ain't it grand how the Internet enables conversations to go on forever!

Very glad you enjoyed it. I am also very glad that people keep finding and using the post on GeekRoar.

I was watching a video with my young son when he suddenly said, "That music is really beautiful." This, from a hyperactive, skate-thrasher, seven-year-old. A couple of weeks later I heard it on a classical radio station that has a real-time playlist on its web site and learned it was the Flower Duet. Now I am trying to remember what we were watching; I could swear it was the movie "Elf"...?

Here's a totally random place to have heard the Flower Duet, but I swear it's true.
Tomb Raider. The movie, not the game. While she's wandering around her house. I was much more interested in the song than in the movie.

Bonjour à tous!
This episode of Nip/Tuck was on last night in France... I was oh so delighted so have this opportunity to find the name of the enchanting piece of music I had loved in Strange Invaders!
I listened to most samples you all mentionned, and I must say the short film's version of the Flower Duet is the best. Something childish to it makes it sound even more innocent...
Hmm, great moments in perspective !
Thanx Leopoldo :)

I heard the Flower Duet on a sample of the music that they are going to play on www.vivalavoce.com. After i heard it i had to find it but i didn't know its name. After a week one of my friends, a self proclaimed music nut had asked one of his other self proclaimed music nut friends about it and he learned the name. Now i'm trying to sort through the recordings on amazon and find the best one.

hi everyone! i found this site when i was searching for the english translation of the flower duet. the song is so entrancing, angelic. i am so glad that everyone else thinks so! is that the real english translation? it's hard to follow when they are singing. i heard the song on a commercial advertising "the most relaxing classical album ever" - so then i searched it and finally figured out the name. it's like the 2 duet(ers) are flowing along in their melody, it's great. happy listening!

I just stumbled upon this site while searching for the movie that featured this song...it was an opera scene, two women in a gondola going across the stage while singing this song--anyone?
I'm currently listening to the "OperaBabes" version of it now (I've got goosebumps!)

What can I say? All of you have fabulous taste! ;o)

I discovered "The Flower Song" on a site with suggestions for wedding music. Of course, I found it moving, beautiful, and familiar at once. And now I had a name to put to it (or so I thought).

It was rather difficult to hunt down more information with "The Flower Song" as my only piece of info. I finally caught a break today when I turned up a new audio clip with a different title. I said, "Hmm. 'Flower Duet'... who knows? That might be it?".

Then it all unfolded for me, brought me here to you wonderful folks with your collective wealth of knowledge, and will enable me to relay the proper facts to my wedding musicians!

Speaking of which, do any of you know where I might find an arrangement for a cello duo? I plan to have the most beautiful song played on the most beautiful instrument for the processional. ^_^

I woke out of bed at 1:30 AM and said, I'm going to go find that song! I first heard it years ago on Yannis concert at the Acropolis. I've wondered for years about it. Well, I am happy to add my name to the list- Thanks.

Ok, I finally posted to one of these sites. This is one of those pieces that you hear all the time and get wrapped up in their beauty for the brief moment they are played in movies or ads. I hate to admit this but I heard this song on "Meet the Parents". I don't know how someone thought to put such a beautiful song in that movie, but at least it gave me the opportunity to find out what it was. I used imdb.com to find out what songs were listed in the soundtrack.

Yes the flower duet is one of the most beautiful pieces I have ever hear. Prehaps this sounds a bit dark but I am putting together my "what do I want done at my funeral" And this is one of the 3 pieces of music I want played. It has meaning and beauty and I want that the tone. A few of my friends have passed over the last few years and each had picked what they wanted played and it was healing and renewing for the folks at the wake. I don't want to leave that up to chance so I will be reviewing all the versions people have mentioned and picking the one that speaks to me. I will be doing the same with the other two songs. Then I will burn them on a CD and leave one in my file and one with my lawyer with strick instructions that it has to be played.

Odd I know but isen't life odd.
Onysia

The Yanni version is by Mona Lisa and someone else as part of Live at the Acropolis. Does anyone have any information on Mona Lisa and the other lady? Other songs either does?

True hokey love story...I was looking for the name of this song for 10 years! I would hear every year or so, be completely enthralled, but never get the name. I mumbled it for an opera teacher, called up NPR, heard it in foreign countries.. the quest went on and on. I finally decided that the title of it would come to me upon reaching enlightenment. Remarkably, the day after I started my relationship with my now fiance, we went to a Bed Bath & Beyond to redeem a gift certificate & encountered fate. I had just told him the story of how this lovely mystery song followed me everywhere but never revealed itself fully. We suddenly heard the tune, I thought over the the store speakers. I rounded a corner and there was a compilation cd rack with the Flower Duet lilting out of it. I bought the cd, got into the car with my new love, and wept with joy upon hearing and knowing it's name. As if opera wasn't dramatic enough!

Just heard this music performed live; the second soprano was my good friend, and I sat there in the row and cried and cried. Had to find it.

Just wanted to say thank you. I first heard the flower duet song on an animated film of lots of opera clips, which has been mentioned by tazey, 'Opera Imaginaire' (thank you so much). This was shown on tv some years ago. I originally recorded it but went over it by mistake and I have been trying to find a copy of this ever since. I came to this site via google as I have often tried to find a copy of this film. It has lots of different opera songs animated by various artists, all worth listening to and the animation gives you an idea of what the song is about. So I am now off to try and track down Opera Imaginaire, thanks again.
ps on an entirely different note, if you have heard and liked the 'over the rainbow' song on the lynx advert, its by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, album called 'face future' - if you havn't heard it, its worth a listen, beautiful.

I found 2 CD's that have a great collection of teh best Arias and classical songs inthe world from Amazon.
1. Best of the Millenium-top 40 Classical Hits
2. The #1 Opera Album
They have the Flower Duet, Madam Butterfly Humming Chorus (which is equally enchanting), Largo Al Factotum (Figaro!), O Fortuna, Blue Danube, William Tell, etc etc.

All for a bout $26 Bucks ( can you say supersaver Shipping!!). I highly recomend them!

http://multimedia.utsa.edu:16080/technology/students/3313041/madride/index.html
Flower Duet is background music on this website. Beautiful version .

Hi everyone!

I'm so glad to see that I'm not the only one who has been hunting down this song for years! I can't remember how I found it eventually, but I've been humming it ever since... To all the people who wrote about getting married: I hope your marriage will be as beautiful as this song.
I stumbled upon this page looking for the lyrics, so thanks for that!
And by the way: I'm also looking for a classical Russian song, I only know a little piece from "Warren G featuring Sissel - Prince Igor". Can anyone help me?
It's indeed funny to see that no matter where you're from, everyone seems to love this piece of music. (I myself am from Holland, so that will explain te mistakes in my post :-) )
Thanks for reading, and I hope that someone can help me finding that song!
Bye! Sanne

The Yanni version of Aria is by Mona Lisa Young. She also recorded "Knife" as a Jazz-Motown album in the 70s. Not much else is known about her at this time. I still have not discovered who the second soprano is in Yanni's "Acropolis."

Sorry, I was wrong. The Mona Lisa on Yanni's Live at the Acropolis is not Mona Lisa Young. It is merely Mona Lisa [no last name]. She has recorded albums Island(1996), Stay in Love (1998), and L'Escapade (2001).

Found this site by accident...What a brilliant soundtrack..I am presently speechless

It's so great to hear that others were and are as affected by this song as I continue to be. The moment I heard it, when I was 17 and watching Bowie and Deneuve, I was mesmerized. I've never been affected so strongly by a song. There is something blissful and haunting about it that brings on a heightened awareness, if only for a few moments.

First I must thank Leopoldo for making this web-site possible. I was thrilled to see this outlet for music lovers who have come across one of the most beautiful sounds music has ever created, and wondered. I have many versions of the Flower Duet (Delibes, Lakme) from the traditional opera (like "The Best Opera Album In The World...Ever!") to the slightly more intriguing interpretations by OperaBabes and Jahna. They are all wonderful and magical. Here's the new twist and my dilemma. I've heard a new version. I've only heard it once (late 2003), and like so many others who have found this web-site have searched and searched for names, artists, and cds, and versions of the Flower Duet they have heard. I've been looking for this version for 2 years. The new version is equally haunting and magical. If you can possibly imagine the traditional lyrics and opera presentation pressed together with the beat, mix, and thumping rhythm of a club/dance/electronica sound; then you've got my version to a T. It's an odd marriage of two vastly different musical genres. And this description must leave all of you scratching your heads. But I must tell you it is pure magic. It made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. Gave me the shivers, just like all the other version of this incredible masterpiece. If anyone can help in finding this version I'd be wonderfully grateful. My only helpful hints are: 1). Mixed and "performed" by a club/dance/electronica DJ (and well enough to have been pressed on a cd). 2). Has the traditional lyrics and sung in the opera version. 3). Recorded between 2001-2003 is my best guess.
Cheers,
Ross

Oooh, an electronica version of the Flower Duet sounds delicious! I will see if I can find it and will post if I do.
For anyone wanting other good electronica treatments of opera I very much recommend the two (just searched Amazon and found out there is a third!) Aria CDs by 'Aria' aka Paul Schwartz.

Leopoldo,

OH MY GOD! I found it! Well, I found one version of the Flower Duet song I have been looking for these past couple of years. And it is "delicious" as you predicted it might be. Like with most DJ inspired electronica tunes this version is but one of several versions "out there" in musicland. Unfortunately, the European/UK releases of the various versions are near to impossible to get or find. Figures! The US release version is only found on compilation trance and electronica offerings. And all but one of these is near to impossible to find.

So, here is the one version on CD I found and bought today.

The artist is: Jonathan Peters (but the usual title in searches brings up "Jonathan Peters Presents Luminaire"
Song title: Flower Duet '99 (Jonathan Peters Club Mix)
Album/CD: Best of Trance Volume One (Robbins Entertainment 2000)

That is the easiest way to hear this song I've been trying to find for years. The original EP CD is a European/UK offer and is currently out of print called "Jonathan Peters Presents Luminaire---Flower Duet." It was available on EP CD and 12" vinyl. The CD offered three versions of the song including the one I believe I originally heard "Flower Duet (Jonathan Peters Original Mix") 7:47. This same CD offers "Flower Duet (Way Out West Mix)" 6:40, and "Flower Duet (Bullet Park Radio Edit) 3:44. The 12" vinyl offers the Way Out West Mix and perhaps (or so I'm told) the best version of all the versions the "Flower Duet (Solarplexus Mix) 8:04. This EP CD and 12" vinyl came out in July of '99.

The original version was recorded in 1996 and is the "Flower Duet (Jonathan Peters Original Mix)."

Through various sources I have been unable to find any other versions and only e-bay had a single copy of the 12" version of the 7/99 release.

My version is an epic 9:48 from start to finish. The breakdown goes as follows:
0:00 to 4:00---no opera at all, just the trance/electronica/club beats.
4:00 to 4:50---the first of several samples of the Flower Duet kick in.
4:50 to 5:11---more beats
5:11 to 5:55---a second injection of flower duet sampling mixed with the clubbing sounds and dance beats.
5:55 to 7:14---a mellowing of dance beats and intro of piano
7:14 to 8:45---90 seconds of pure joy where the electronica and Flower Duet opera intertwine in a spine-tingling mix that'll make you wish the other 8 minutes were just like it.
8:45 to 9:48---more beats to the end

For those opera aficionados in the crowd the Flower Duet sample used by Mr. Peters is from "Flower Duet" Choeurs et Orchestre du Theatre National de L'Opera Comique. That version alone is a keeper in my book. But the overlay of the electronica/trance/club mix beat weaves a masterful hypnotic offering that actually goes together.

The version I heard that "one time" was better than this. It was more of the great and less of the electronica beats without the opera. But that 90 second bit in the version I have is the most magical, incredible, fantastic, mind blowing sound I've heard in years. And that's saying alot for a middle-aged white guy.

For those looking for this song, the compilation "Best of Trance Volume One" is by far the easiest way to hear "a version" of what I'm talking about. But those who are not into electronica/trance/club music might be put off or bored with the first four minutes of mind-numbing blah, blah, blah beats. But the last five minutes plus of this offering is wonderful.

I will keep looking for the other variations of the song, one that has more Flower Duet and less blah, blah, blah.

I hope you enjoy the version I found, and keep looking to find the alternatives.

Sorry for the extensive prattling with the over-the-top information.

Cheers,
Ross

Hey guys,

I noticed the enthusiastic response to the techno remixes of the Flower Duet, so i thought i'd post a link to my band's version of it! You can check it out here: http://music.download.com/reliquary (it's the last song on the page). Please forgive the low quality of the recording; we're working on our album now which will sound a lot better than that demo.

Kara,
Thanks so much for the link to your version of Flower Duet. Very cool. I'm sure it'll sound much better in a better quality recording. But as is, the vocals are amazing! It was hard to pick up some of the finer bits of backing instruments with the recording I got, but it seemed to fit and blend well with the opera vocals. Is the best way to keep posted on cd recording release via the web-site? To all Flower Duet fans, this new and unique version is certainly worth the listen.
Cheers,
Ross

Flower duet is beautiful indeed. I first heard it on a local radio station at SJU, it was on a Wednesday morning, the night before, I couldn't really sleep and went to school to take a test and as I sat there waiting for the classroom to silently rise in the famous Bent Hall, I couldn't help but to notice the lovely voice of Lakme, washing against the raindrops that were beating upon the crisp glass window. Her voice left me with comfort and pleasure only knowing that, that night, sleep will come without a worry, I was all peaceful again. Thank god for music, and most of all, thank god for creating mankind with such talent, most of us would be lost without music, such inspiration.

This song is also played during an heart pounding elevator scene in a little movie called Five Corners with a very young Jodie Foster, John Turturro and Tim Robbins.

I was introduced to this beautiful composition, libretto while at a concert of Yanni's. It is my favorite piece that he did.

When I researched the piece and found out what it was and where it came from I was floored. The performers for Yanni were spectacular. Their voices rose to exceptional heights and brought forth sheer joy of life.

The piece has shown up in the most intresting of places, commercials and movies alike. I remember seeing the Rob Reiner film "The American President" and hearing it in the background of the private dinner scene at Sidney's apartment. I think that was the best purist rendition that was not hopped up in a contemporary manner.

Anyway, my two cents.

Ciao

I actually "heard" the Flower Duet today on NPR radio while sailing. I know I have heard it many times before, but today I really listened to it. It is beautiful. Also, as I was reading some of the commensts on this site regarding Yanni at the Acropolis I realized that I loved it when I first heard that concert.

Does anyone know who are the performers on the BA version of the Flower Duet? There are versions of it by several famous opera divas, but I particularly like the understaed quality of the BA version.
Thanks

Hey Ross,

Thanks so much! I'm glad you liked it. :)
You can join our mailing list on the Reliquary website if you like, or just check back occasionally - we're done recording the album and it's about halfway done with the mixing stage, so we're hoping for a late summer/early fall release.

absolutely incredible. this page, the song, the passion inspired by even the faintest, vaguest glimpse... divinity through humanity.
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