Carmina Burana

Description

The scenic cantata Carmina Burana composed by Carl Orff is a unique work in the history of music: “The meeting of medieval texts and bold orchestration creates a sonic universe that is both archaic and timeless, in which the choir, orchestra and soloists compete in splendor,” says Paavo Järvi. The work also has a singular history, as it was composed shortly after the Nazis came to power. Initially rejected because of the Latin texts and the erotic character of some songs, the work and its composer later fell into favor within the Reich. The musician (who was “a quarter Jewish”) did not support the regime but accommodated its success… Orff was 42 when he achieved success thanks to his Carmina, which he designated as his opus 1, renouncing everything he had composed before. Moving away from the romantic style, he wanted to create music focused on rhythm, simple repeating melodies and uncomplicated forms. The work’s popular success would confirm his choices.