Daniel is a setting of every word of chapter 6 of the Book of Daniel for soprano and piano. It follows my piece Jonah in its setting of a famous animal story from the Bible. Whereas I called the former piece an oratorio, Daniel is labelled a musical, due to its resemblances to early examples of that genre.

At the opening of the piece, Daniel is the object of envy of the other presidents and princes who rule under king Darius of Babylon. The presidents and princes trick Darius into issuing a degree which orders that, for 30 days, no one may worship anyone except the king. The pious Daniel continues to pray to God, and as a result is thrown to the lions, despite Darius’ misgivings. God, however, sends an angel to prevent the lions from eating Daniel. Darius sends the presidents and princes into the lion’s den in Daniel’s place, and they are duly eaten. As a result of this, Daniel prospers in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.