And I heard a voice is dedicated to the memory of Estonian Archbishop Konrad Veem. The text underlying the choral piece is taken from the Revelation of John (14:13): And I heard a voice from heaven saying, 'Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Blessed indeed,' says the Spirit, 'that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!' (John, Revelation 14:13). This thought that the creative people who had passed away may rest, but still "breathe", i.e. continue to live and be among us, as are their works, this thought inspired Arvo Pärt to the choral piece.