Dave Brubeck composed The Light in the Wilderness as a sacred oratorio for orchestra, choir, and soloists. The work premiered in 1968 in Cincinnati, Ohio, conducted by Brubeck himself.
The album was recorded in 1968 with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Conservatory Choir. Brubeck plays piano, accompanied by baritone William Justus and soprano Marlena Kleinman.
The piece explores Christ's temptations in the desert and his message of love. It was one of Brubeck's first ventures into sacred music, reflecting his Catholic faith.