This work for unaccompanied SATB soli and choir was commissioned in the name of Sir Thomas Armstrong by the Musicians Benevolent Fund, for performance at the St. Cecilia's Day service in Westminster Abbey on 25th November 1992.The text is taken from St. Luke's gospel. The words of the archangel are sung by the main choir and, in the words of the composer, should build up to a thunderous, awesome theophany.