Retablos is a cycle of works based upon Gregorian chant themes: a triptych of pieces that are intended to be as independent as they are interrelated. The cycle can be performed as a whole, and each individual piece can be performed by itself. The musical materials in this set are derived from non-tonal modes incorporating flamenco modal patterns. The term retablo refers to a painted altar screen in a church; thus, the title suggests possibilities for Biblical symbolism and tone painting. The three pieces are based upon the following chants: Pange lingua, Ubi caritas, and Victimae paschali.