Centered on G, but utilizing quartal and quintal harmonies that evoke parallel organum, the music of the era of the early medieval Roman rite, when the text was written, this challenging Responsory for Advent is scored for handbells (G, A, D) and divisi SATB chorus. There is a call-and-response texture between the cantor (or unison men) and the choir. Open sonorities at cadences and parallel voice leading further the link with ancient musical practice, all while maintaining a distinctly modern harmonic language.
