The Royal Swedish Court commissioned this piece for the celebration of the Mass on Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The text is written by poet Einar Askestad and the first performance was broadcast on Swedish television from the Royal Castle Church. Slottskyrkans vokalensemble sung in the premiere under the direction of court organist Mary Ljungquist-Hen. The music depicts Mary’s sorrow as the mother of a child that belongs not to her, but to all mankind.