These 'A cappella' choral works in the English language are a feature of the Evensong service in the Anglican Communion. The pipe organ accompaniment between the phrases allows the choristers time to catch their breath. The music requires a highly trained choir of the standard that one would normally expect in cathedrals and large churches.

The works are a matched set in that they open and close identically. The music is scored for soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass, and has also been orchestrated for a standard symphony orchestra ( albeit four trumpets .) The choral and orchestral parts are included