Words, W.H. Auden. Short score, for five-part unaccompanied chorus. Autograph music manuscript, in pencil, with an addition in red crayon on f. 7v.
The work's original title ('Song for St Cecilia') is written across partially erased score which has also been struck-through (f. 1), and f. 1v is also struck-through, as are f. 8 and f. 8v. The score spans f. 2 - f. 7v.
Signed and dated by Britten on f. 7, recording the name of the ship on which the manuscript was drafted as Britten returned to England from the United States of America: 'April 2nd 1942 / M.S. Axel Johnson'.
First performance: 22 November 1942, BBC Home Service (pre-recorded 17 November 1942). First concert performance: 28 November 1942, Wigmore Hall, London.