This work investigates the structural integration of traditional liturgical elements into a contemporary musical framework. Michael Finnissy, a prominent composer known for his complex and avant-garde approach to classical music, applies his technical expertise to the specific liturgical order of St. Paul's, West Street, Brighton. The text serves as a formal score and arrangement, prioritizing the musical setting of the liturgy over congregational participation.

Experts in contemporary choral music identify this work as a significant example of modern liturgical composition that challenges traditional performance boundaries. Scholars frequently note the technical difficulty of the score, which requires high-level proficiency from both the choir and the instrumentalists involved.