Issue #2
October 2001
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Daniel and the Lion
by David Katz
The Ensemble for Early Music, directed by Frederic Renz, is arguably the best Early Music group in New York, and perhaps the country. On October 12 and 13, they staged performances of the medieval liturgical play, "Daniel and the Lions", that upheld their reputation and delighted the large audience at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
Based on the biblical Book of Daniel, "Daniel and the Lions" combined instrumental music, song and special effects into a stunning auditory and visual tour de force. The Ensemble's regular players and singers were supplemented by the return of several alumni, and further enhanced by a number of singers and musicians recruited for these performances, bringing the total to 16.
The biblical text, freely adapted in the 12th century as song with Latin (and occasionally Old French) words, is as much chanted as sung. The instrumental interludes, however, are melodic, with dance rhythms intermixed with military and stately measures.
Three of the performers, Wayne Hankin, Karen Hansen and Christa Patton, were outstanding as the Court Musicians, playing a total of 11 different kinds of instruments between them, including such unusual ones as the tromba marina, bell carillon and rebec, in addition to a whole family of dulcians and seven other medieval instruments.
The singers, featuring James Ruff as Daniel, Mark Sullivan as King Belshazzar and the prophet Habakkuk, Gregory Purnhagen as King Darius and a courtier, Mark Rehnstrom as a counselor/astrologer, Jon Szabo as a counselor/lawyer, and Marshall Coid, whose clear alto voice was perfect in the roles of Belshazzar's Queen and an angel, were excellent without exception.
Of special note was the lion, played by three people at once (Anthony Alioto, Todd Frizzell and Tam Johnson). One played the left paw, one the right paw, and one the giant head. The lion was frightening when Daniel entered the den, and cuddly after the appearance of the angel, and was an altogether satisfying stage effect.
The Ensemble for Early Music has two concerts left in its current season: Voices vs Viols (EEM faces off with Parthenia), November 2, 3 and 4, and Nova, A Medieval Christmas, December 7, 8, 16 and 25. All concerts are at the Cathedral. Tickets can be ordered by calling (212) 280-0330, or over the internet at www.earlymusicny.org.
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