The theme of this work, commissioned by l'Octuor de Violoncelles de Beauvais, is related to the moving story of the leper house of Saint Lazarus, the oldest leper hospital in northern Europe. The remains of the hospital, dating from the 12th century, lie close to Beauvais.

Arvo Pärt (2004): "This cello octet have wanted a work from me for many years, but, for various reasons, I could never accept the commission. But when information about this leper colony was mentioned in other conver...