Orff: Carmina Burana

Carmina Burana, the dramatic cantata by Carl Orff, is a unique work in music history, says conductor Paavo Järvi: “The combination of medieval texts with such bold, original orchestral colors creates an archaic yet timeless sound world in which the choir, orchestra, and soloists shine in competition with one another. The work also has an unusual history: composed shortly after the National Socialists came to power in Germany, it was initially rejected because of its Latin texts and the erotic character of some of the songs; nevertheless, Orff and his work were later highly valued by the Reich. The composer (who concealed that he was “a quarter Jew”) did not support the regime, but rather made the best of his success... Orff was 42 years old when he achieved his breakthrough with the Carmina, which he designated as his Op. 1, and rejected all his earlier compositions. Breaking with the Romantic style, he now wanted to create music characterized by rhythm, simple, repeating melodies, and uncomplicated forms. The great success of this work confirms this decision.”