Commissioned by Doreen Rao for the Elmer Iseler Singers, this work was inspired by Raphael's St. Cecilia Altarpiece in which Cecilia, the patron saint of music,is surrounded by discarded instruments, symbols of King David's penitence. The work opens with a declamatory section calling upon God to punish the wicked, moves into a more reflective middle section that begs forgiveness, and ends with praise to the wonder and beauty of creation.