Carmina Burana is cyclical, bookended by a poem about the cruel hand of fate, echoing the wheel of fortune that illustrates the original poems and Orff's score.
Composer Biography
Carl Orff, the composer of Carmina Burana, was drafted into the army during World War I but was later deemed unfit for service.
Performer Biography
The Trinity Boys Choir, featured on this album, is especially well-known for its role in Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream, having appeared in over 150 professional performances.
Critical Reception
After its premiere, Orff's Carmina Burana was initially called 'Bavarian Niggermusik' by the Nazi-endorsed Völkischer Beobachter newspaper, but its popularity led the Nazis to quickly adopt the piece.
Composition History
Carmina Burana is based on a collection of over 250 satirical medieval poems, created by a group of clerical students.
Historical Context
The manuscript of the Carmina Burana poems was found in 1803 in the Benedictine monastery of Benediktbeuern, becoming an important document in Bavarian history and culture.
Recording & Production
This recording of Carmina Burana was captured live at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall in London.
