Op. 56b is Antiphon (Mar 1956).
Choir of St Peter Mancroft
At the time of the first performance the organist at St Peter Mancroft was C.J.R. Coleman (1879-1959) who had been organist at St John's, Lowestoft, during Britten's youth.
The 'Hymn' is based on the plainchant 'Tu es Petrus', the alleluia and verse for Feast of the Holy Apostles St Peter and St Paul.