In this work, the composer took inspiration from the story of Saint Denis whose important role in the development of Christianity in Paris is well known and turned into a legend over time: imprisoned along with two other bishops, tortured and finally decapitated at the top of Montmartre, Saint Denis allegedly arose and, guided by an angel, continued on his way as far as the current city of Saint Denis.
Conceived according to the model of the 'varied chorale', the Hymn to Saint Denis presents a slow march theme, with the difficulty being felt in the rhythmic shift from the initial four-beat time to a triple time evoking the martyr's exhaustion and discouragement. The following variation depicts the apparition of the angel who is going to lead the saint to salvation.