Carmina Burana Program

ACT TWO

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Carmina Burana

A cantata in five acts

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Prologue and Epilogue

O Fortuna

A lament about the inescapable power of fate, a central theme to Roman and Greek mythology, in which fate is a force that rules both gods and mortals.

I bemoan the wounds of Fortune with weeping eyes,

for the gifts she made me she perversely takes away.

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German composer Carl Orff’s towering masterpiece from 1937, Carmina Burana – “Songs of Beuren” – is set in southern Germany. It remains one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable works of the 20th Century. Conceived by Orff as a theatrical cantata for orchestra, adult and children’s chorus, three vocal soloists and choreographed movement, Carmina Burana is based on a collection of 24 spiritual and carnal songs and poems authored by anonymous 13th Century medieval monks and minstrels. Orff’s work is composed with a prologue and epilogue, and three highly descriptive scenes: “Primo Vere” (“In Early Spring”), “In Taberna” (“In the Tavern”) and “Cours d’Amours” (“Court of Love”).

Sung in Latin, Orff’s magnum opus begins and ends with the now-famous percussion downbeat and chorus powerfully intoning the words “O Fortuna,” an ode to the wheel of fortune that determines the ever-changing fate of man. The composer’s compelling score offers what has been described as simple orchestration, rich melodies and harmonies combined with a driving rhythmic percussion to give the music a primeval, visceral character – adding to the work’s popular and enduring appeal.

Commenting on his Carmina Burana premiere, choreographer Amato said, “To bring this extraordinary work to life I take my inspiration from Dutch master painter Heironymus Bosch’s famous triptych of the late 15th Century, ‘The Garden of Earthly Delights.’ It is characterized by a robust representation of humanity with its eruption of fantasy and chaos juxtaposed with idyllic innocence. The dance movement I’ve created is ritualistic, sensual and ominous reflecting the formidable music as set to this codex of sacred and profane texts.”