Orff, Carl - Carmina Burana - Järvi, Paavo

Carl Orff's staged cantata Carmina Burana is unique in music history, according to conductor Paavo Järvi: "The combination of medieval texts and bold, original orchestral colors creates a soundscape that is both old-fashioned and timeless, and in which the choir, orchestra, and soloists shine in all their glory." The work also has an unusual history: it was composed shortly after the Nazi revolution in Germany and was initially rejected because of its Latin texts and the erotic nature of some of its songs. Nevertheless, Orff and his works later became highly regarded in the Reich. The composer (who was secretly "a quarter Jewish") did not support the regime, but took advantage of his success... Orff was 42 years old when he made his breakthrough with Carmina, which he named Op. 1 and rejected all his previous compositions. Departing from the Romantic style, he now wanted to create music that was connected to rhythm, simple repetitive melodies, and uncomplicated forms. The great success of the work confirmed this decision.