Publisher Desc.  The Offertorium or simply, Offertory, is a movement that opens up with a reduced energy from the Dies Irae. The scoring is reduced for pairs of flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, French horns, trumpets, timpani, two harps, celesta, and strings. The lower strings take the lead as they represent the soul's prayers and offers for passage into the next life - the next stage in existence. This is juxtaposed by the upper strings with sustained A in the third and second octaves as they represent the different planes of existence. This is interrupted by a solo oboe with an accompaniment of two harps and celesta. This represents an innocent offer for peace that is passed through the woodwinds. This is briefly interrupted by rumbling strings and an ominous feeling that is passed through the rest of the orchestra. This is another section where I wanted the orchestra to represent the question of, "why did this have to happen to me?' And what can i offer for peace and peace of mind?' The movement harkens the theme that will be established in the opening bars of the Sanctus. It quietly ends with the viola section sustaining the note that will segue into this movement.