In this piece for unaccompanied SATB choir, fervent, dance-like music appears side by side with fear and awe, producing a dramatic contrast.
The work was commissioned jointly by the Dean and Chapter of Winchester Cathedralandby Mrs Ruth Daniel on behalf of St. John's College, Cambridge, for performances during Advent 1997. There were simultaneous first performances on 29th November 1997, given by the Choir of Winchester Cathedral conducted byDavidHill, and the choir of St. John's College conducted by Christopher Robinson in Cambridge.