This lyrical work is a musical portrait of a person experiencing for the first time the awe and grandeur of an ancient European cathedral.
The melody is first presented by viola and cello. Violins and basses should strive to remain soft behind the melody until measure 22. At this point, violins command the melodic line. Through the entire first half, emphasize proper phrasing and bowing technique, with particular attention to bow direction. The section at measure 43 acts as a transition to the solo section that begins at measure 52. Tempo in this transition slows as it approaches measure 52, with a slight pause to prepare the musicians for pizzicato. A slightly slower tempo should be clearly felt in the rhythmic pizzicato lines that support the soloist. Violas and cellos restate the melody at measure 63, with the supporting basses strumming big open fifths. The piece ends simply with a solo violin note and supporting pizzicato from the orchestra.