Great works: The Play of Daniel

About this course

The course examines The Play of Daniel, a medieval liturgical drama associated with the Cathedral School of Beauvais. It considers the work’s biblical narrative, historical setting, manuscript tradition and place within worship and community life, alongside its chant style, modal language and dramatic structure. Teaching combines lecture, discussion, quizzes, guided listening, video and score study. The session also considers medieval performance practices, modern revivals, interpretations and recordings.

What you'll learn

• Explain the historical and cultural context of The Play of Daniel
• Identify musical and dramatic features of the work
• Describe how medieval liturgical drama functioned within worship and community life
• Relate The Play of Daniel to the wider history of early music

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners and requires no prior knowledge of medieval music or ability to read music. The Beginner (A1) label indicates an introductory level. Learners familiar with chant or early polyphony may also engage with the light musical analysis.

• Suitable for learners approaching medieval music for the first time
• Includes discussion, quizzes and guided listening rather than performance-based activities
• A general interest in early music, sacred music or medieval cultural history may be helpful

Before you go

• Translations of the Latin texts will be provided.
• Handouts, scores and links to online videos will be shared through Google Classroom.
• Links to music books and recordings discussed in class will be available online; purchasing these materials is optional.