About Ludus Danielis
Since its revival in the 1950s by the early-music concert ensemble New York Pro Musica, Ludus Danielis has become one of the most beloved and familiar medieval musical plays of our time.
The production brings to life two stories from the Book of Daniel - "The Writing on the Wall" and "The Lions' Den." Recorded in the Egerton manuscript by 13th-century students of the Beauvais Cathedral School, this work was performed for many years during the Christmas and New Year's season for the Feast of Fools.
Featuring students and alumni of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Larew's production brings this boisterous and beautiful medieval masterpiece to life, fully staged, choreographed, and costumed with the aesthetics of medieval visual art. Larew has added vocal harmonies and instrumental interludes, to be played by period instruments, to the 13th-century music score. At the height of the dramatic action, three lions throat sing a unique and intimidating polyphonic roar. Performances will be sung in Latin, and an English translation of the text will be provided in the program.