The Libran Preces and Responses were composed in October 1972. We are publishing the original ATBrBB version and a transposed version for SATB.

The composer’s note at the end of the manuscript reads: ‘‘The Virgoan Responses were composed late August* 1972 for ATBrBB unacc, revised 1976, re-written for SATBrBB unacc in late August 1987. P.A.T.’’ 

* the Virgoan period of the year.

1972 was when the Chapel Choir first included male altos in addition to the established Tenors, Baritones and Basses. This set has a number of companion settings, all for male voices with altos at the top, most named after signs of the astrological zodiac: Arian (1973), Libran (1972), Quintilian (1981) and Sagittarian (1981). As the Virgoan was the only set Tranchell revised for the Chapel Choir when sopranos joined, it might be assumed they were his favourite.