Evensong in Holy Week at Ely Cathedral is solemn and simple. We do not sing the 'Gloria Patri' in any canticles or psalms, most of the repertoire consists of plainsong, and we do not use any instrumental accompaniment. Finding music for SATB or lower voices for those services is relatively easy; however, when we came to look for something for the prep-school-age choristers to sing, we realised that there was nothing appropriate (everything was either too difficult/elaborate, or if it was suitable for children's voices, it required the organ). So I had to write something bespoke. We had just sung the Britten Missa Brevis a few days before, so I chose a three-part texture to capitalise on the confidence that the children had gained from preparing that great work. I selected the words from the Office for Tenebrae on Maundy Thursday, which is normally sung in the evening on Holy Wednesday, the day for which we needed an anthem. The reproaches of Christ to us his people alternate with the refrain from Lamentations "Jerusalem, return to the Lord your God", and I had in mind the effects of the refrain of my popular SATB Holy Week anthem 'Crux fidelis'. Although the music is very different, I wanted it to evoke the same meditative and poignant feel. The tertiary shifts throughout (particularly at the end) nod towards Tallis' masterful setting of the Lamentations.