47, is a set of five part songs to poems in English by four authors which mention flowers, composed for four voices (SATB) in 1950 as a gift for the 25th wedding anniversary of Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst.

It was first performed in the open air at the couple's estate Dartington Hall, with Imogen Holst conducting a student choir.

The set has been frequently recorded by English and foreign chamber choirs and ensembles, including Polyphony, Cambridge Singers and the RIAS Kammerchor.

Britten composed the music as a contribution to commemorate the 25th wedding anniversary of Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst, who were both botanists, philanthropists, and fond of flowers.

[1] Britten created "a slightly menacing atmosphere",[2] giving individual identity to flowers described as "slimy", "faded" or with "sickly scent".

[1] Evening Primrose, on a poem by John Clare, serves as the set's slow movement,[2] depicting a nightscape,[1] with the music turning to slumber.