The substantial cycle, published in 1853, unites splendid concert pieces (Benediction and Funerailles) and simple, short compositions, which partly make use of Gregorian modes. The volume was composed over a long period of time. As early as 1835 No. 4 was published in a compositionally revolutionary first version entitled Harmonies poetiques et religieuses after the volume of poetry with the same title by Lamartine. In 1853 Liszt distanced himself from the important early piece, presenting it in a slightly smoother form as Pensees des morts, although it still had considerable impact. Henle has reproduced the bold early work in the appendix to this volume (Benediction and Funerailles are available as separate editions HN 984 and 748).