Cycle of Declamation was commissioned by Peter Pears who was at the time singing unaccompanied Perotin and wished to have some contemporary songs as a contrast.  The texts were taken from John Donne's Devotions.  The aim of setting these words was to intensify the significance, using the natrual syllabic stress of the English language so that every word should be clearly heard and the rhythm of the sentences kept in their form.  The silences are an important part of the music, keeping continuity by the irregularity of their length, while allowing proper consideration for each of these thoughts on Life and Death.  (Priaulx Rainier)