[2] The Latin text, which was compiled by Bernhard Wyss [de], is based on the charter of the university, as well as older orations praising Basel.

[3] The cantata is scored for four vocal soloists (soprano, alto or contralto, tenor, and bass), a four-part choir, two flutes (second doubling piccolo), two oboes, two clarinets in B-flat, two bassoons, four horns, two trumpets in C, three trombones, tuba, strings, timpani, four percussionists, two harps, piano, and strings.

[2] This reflects Britten's intention to be deliberately "clever" with the work; he noted in a letter to Wyss that the piece is "full of academic devices for the edification of the performers".

[2] The movement Tema seriale con fuga was adapted for two 1973 compositions by Richard Rodney Bennett dedicated to Britten: a concerto for orchestra and a work called Alba for organ.

It was also used as the basis for a 1963 collaborative composition by Bennett, Nicholas Maw, and Malcolm Williamson, called Reflections on a theme of Benjamin Britten.