In the 1960s, inspired by a Japanese Noh drama, Britten devised a form of chamber opera that he called "A Parable for Church Performance." In these three works the audience imagines itself as a medieval congregation gathered to watch brothers from a nearby monastery perform a mystery play. All the parts are sung by males, there are usually about six instruments, and about four or five solo roles and a small chorus. The tale here is, of course, the familiar one from Daniel concerning the Hebrew captives in the fiery furnace. King Nebuchadnezzar is portrayed as a vain empty-head. An evil astrologer fears the King's honorable intention of elevating three Jews to positions in his government. He intends to get rid of the Jews by requiring all "loyal" subjects, on pain of death, at the appropriate musical signal to worship the God of Gold, which he knows the Jews will never do. When the three prospective officials do refuse, they are condemned to be burned, but are rescued by an Angel, at which time the King recognizes their virtue and puts an end to the Astrolger's trickery. From his slender forces Britten magically evokes a burnished, golden sound, barbaric and opulent. Especially notable is the strange march which signals the idol-worship. Although not as intensely moving as its predecessor, Curlew River, this unusual work is a masterful composition, very affecting and entertaining.

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