Transcendental sequence Sobre un éxtasis de alta contemplación (Verses written after an ecstasy of high exultation), is a setting of the poem by St John of the Cross. Commissioned by Richard Marlow, for the Cambridge University Chamber Choir, premiered at Selwyn College in November 1975.
The intense individuality of Harvey's music is characterised by emotional opulence and visionary symbolism, showing the profound impact of Messiaen and Stockhausen.
Harvey has attempted to recreate in musical terms the state of mysterious illusion enacted in the verses.