The Annunciation is an instrumental arrangement of the composer's own piece for upper voices, Angelus ad Virginem, and portrays the biblical scene in which the Angel Gabriel informed Mary about the forthcoming birth of Jesus. With its tranquil high solo writing and bi-tonal harmonies, the piece is very much intended to be an experience for the listener, who, taking the role of Mary, hears a musical representation of the angelic voice.

The Annunciation can be played by violin septet or larger forces.

Douglas Mason began his musical training as a chorister in Gloucester Cathedral Choir under John Sanders. He subsequently read music at Durham University, and went on to train as a music teacher at Leeds University, also singing professionally as a lay clerk in the Choir of Leeds Parish Church at this time.

As a composer, Douglas focuses on choral works in particular, and he has also written and arranged music for schools. As a performer Douglas has sung on numerous television and radio broadcasts and appeared on recordings for several labels, including Abbey, Priory and ASC records. For several years he was also a member of the William Byrd Singers directed by Stephen Wilkinson.