One of the most inspired movements from the cycle Having Witnessed a Wondrous Birth, this work is “pure Sviridov,” yet it shows him to be a worthy heir of Rachmaninoff and other composers of the “new Russian Choral School” of the early 20th century. The title movement “Having Witnessed a Wondrous Birth” is a magnificent hymn of praise on a little-known text that reflects upon the Incarnation of Christ-- “the most high God, who came to earth as a humble man” in order to raise our minds up to heaven.