I had wanted to write an Advent Responsory for some time, and inspiration hit whilst planning the Advent carol service for Holy Trinity, Southport and working out how to involve as many of our choir as possible in small groups stationed at various points in the church.

The piece was conceived for a large space; the solo soprano should soar effortlessly in the manner of a recitative from the most distant point in the building possible, with the tenor and bass chorus responding in strict time. Performances should be as dramatic as possible, whilst never losing sight of musicality.