Death and the Flower was recorded in November 1974 at Generation Sound Studios in New York. The album features Keith Jarrett on piano and soprano saxophone, with Dewey Redman, Charlie Haden, Paul Motian, and Guilherme Franco.
The title comes from a poem by Hermann Hesse, reflecting the lyrical and spiritual theme of the work. The music blends free jazz with classical and world music influences, characteristic of Jarrett's American quartet.
The album was released in 1975 by ECM and is considered a key piece in Jarrett's transition to a more introspective style. Critics praised its meditative atmosphere and group interaction.