The opening song is characterized by its use of descending glissandi, rising chords, and modal inflection. The second, "I mon waxe wod", correlates nature with madness. The third setting uses syncopation and imitation to celebrate the arrival of spring, while the fourth returns to sombre winter. The fifth and seventh songs are based on the Passion, and contrast with the "folksy" sixth setting. The collection concludes with its longest piece, which as the title suggests deals with themes of mortality.

Date of composition 1975 (December 1974 - January 1975)
Premiered 1975, September 14th (Snape Maltings Concert Hall) in London, United Kingdom
Dedicated to 'For P.P. and the Wilbye Consort'
Type Sacred choral
Catalogue BTC 1165
Approx. duration 15 minutes
Instruments Voice - Solo voices ;
Autotranslations beta Benjamin Britten: Sacred and Profane, BTC 1165
Benjamin Britten: Sacred and Profane, BTC 1165
Benjamin Britten: Sacred and Profane, BTC 1165