Tetelestai was written on Good Friday, April 2017. The title comes from the Greek word τετέλεσται (tetelestai) meaning "it is finished" or "fully paid", which according to St. John, are the last words of Jesus on the cross:

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"When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." John 19:30

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It is written as a companion piece to the Nunc Dimittis - both pieces use the same idea of repeating patterns played or sung independently and in speech rhythm.