Some of the musical material is based on Dallapiccola's earlier choral work on a similar theme, Canti di prigionia (1938).
The professional American premiere took place on September 29, 1960, at the New York City Center, where the cast included Norman Treigle, Richard Cassilly and Anne McKnight; Leopold Stokowski conducted Christopher West's production.
As the Mother waits to visit her son in prison; she sings of a dream she has had multiple times that haunts her sleep.
The Prisoner speaks of his torture and suffering, and also of how the Gaoler has brought back his hope and faith, and has made him wish to return to prayer as he did as a child.
The Gaoler then interrupts the conversation with news that Flanders is in revolt and that the bell of Roelandt could soon ring out again, trying to bring new hope to the Prisoner.