This work is scored for a chorus with soloists (soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor and baritone) as well as a semi-chorus, drawn from the main chorus. A full performance of the work lasts around 30 minutes. The text for The Voices of Our Ancestors is drawn from 12 poems that are united in their attempt to answer the question of human existence. Inspired by these poems, Musgrave composed this work, which was first performed on 9th July at St Bride's church, Fleet Street, as part of the City of London Festival.