The cantata for soloists, mixed choir, orchestra and organ depicts with dramatic force and progressive musical language the struggle between Lucifer and the good angels, also recalling the sound of the bells of the cathedral described as a „gigantic, but fragile miracle” by Victor Hugo. The work had its world premiere in the Pest Redoute on March 10th 1875, featuring Richard Wagner and János Richter ont he conductor’s rostrum. It includes poems by the celebrated American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who was a good friend of the composer and the composition is dedicated to the poet.