Media vita was commissioned in 2015 by the English vocal ensemble, Siglo de Oro, and their director Patrick Allies to celebrate 500 years since the birth of the English Renaissance composer, John Sheppard. The piece draws inspiration from both the expansiveness and intensity found within Sheppards setting and the meaning found within the text itself (In the midst of life we are in death Holy and merciful Saviour deliver us not to the bitter pains of death). These ideas are incorporated into a richer harmonic language and reflective sonority.