Cornelius Gurlitt was a German organist, pianist and composer who wrote many instructional pieces and studies. He obviously composed at speed with considerable facility and it is not surprising that some of his output lacks individuality. Kleine Blumen, however, is one of his works which displays particular charm and character. No titles were originally given to the twelve pieces of Op.205, but in an Augener edition of 1936 names of flowers were used.