Beatus Petronius and Statuit ei Dominus were commissioned in 1990 to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the Basilica San Petronio, the principal church of Bologna. San Petronio is one of the few churches to be equipped with two church organs. Arvo Pärt thus wrote both pieces for two choirs and two organs. However, the pieces can be performed together or separately. The two pieces are written in contrasting styles, arranged as antiphonal songs.

Statuit ei Dominus
testamentum pacis,...