Until resurrected and restored by Albany Pro Musica conductor David Griggs-Janower, The Oratorio of Daniel, written by George F. Bristow, lay forgotten and unperformed for nearly 120 years. Now, the 20th Century premiere of what has been called “the greatest American oratorio ever written,” is about to be conducted by its rescuer.

Janower leads the Catskill Choral Society, Orchestra Pro Musica and featured soloists in The Oratorio, which depicts the stories of the Biblical prophet Daniel (including the fiery furnace and Daniel’s conversion of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon), in a performance on Saturday, May 3, at 8 p.m. at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

Four years ago, Janower decided to take on the enormous project of restoring a practically indecipherable 120 year old manuscript. With the help of several of his Albany students, he toiled at putting as much as was legibly possible onto computer, finally completing the task last year.

“I know a lot of American repertoire, and this is an incredibly good piece of music,” said Janower. “That is why I went on with it and let it consume three years of my life. Putting this oratorio back together was something I felt needed to be done. Only someone who started it could finish it.”

In the summer of 1993, Janower was looking for a major American piece of music to use for the University’s sesquicentennial anniversary year. He called Thurston Dox, professor of music at Hartwick College and conductor of the Catskill Choral Society, who said, “Daniel’s historical assessment as æAmerica’s Best’ holds true today.” With the help of Thurstondox, and many students, part one of The Oratorio was soon restored and performed at the 150th anniversary.

Soon after, Janower took a sabbatical for a semester to finish the work. He received a handful of minor grants to help finance this project. During this time, he finished the vocal score and the Albany Pro Musica undertook the task of performing it for the first time. In early April, the group was still in the process of proofreading the final drafts. In order to accomplish the upcoming performance, Janower will combine Albany Pro Musica and the Catskill Choral Society.

General admission for the concert is $15, seniors $13 and students $7.50.