Carl Orff: Carmina Burana. Ilya Stupel

Album Description

Experience the timeless masterpiece "Carmina Burana" by Carl Orff, brought to life in a stunning 2007 recording conducted by Ilya Stupel. This album is a captivating journey through the medieval poems of the Carmina Burana collection, composed by Orff in 1935 and 1936. The cantata, known for its powerful rhythms and vivid orchestration, is performed by the Artur Rubinstein Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, featuring soloists Anne Margrethe Dahl and Blazej Grek.

The album spans a rich tapestry of themes, from the whimsical and playful to the deeply philosophical, all drawn from the original 13th-century manuscripts. Highlights include the iconic "O Fortuna," the lively "In Taberna" section, and the enchanting "Cours D'Amours," each track showcasing Orff's unique ability to blend ancient texts with modern musical sensibilities. The performance is a testament to the enduring appeal of "Carmina Burana," making it a standout addition to any classical music collection. With a duration of just over an hour, this recording offers a comprehensive and immersive experience of one of the 20th century's most celebrated works.

27 apr 2007

About Carl Orff

Carl Orff, born in Munich in 1895, was a German composer and music educator whose name is indelibly linked to his monumental cantata "Carmina Burana." This sprawling, dramatic work, composed in the mid-1930s, is a symphonic tour de force for full orchestra, symphony choir, and youth choir, setting to music texts from a 13th-century collection of poems. Orff's innovative approach to composition and his unique rhythmic and melodic language make "Carmina Burana" a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

Beyond his compositional prowess, Orff was a pioneer in music education, developing the Schulwerk, a method that emphasized rhythm, movement, and improvisation, and which has had a lasting impact on children's musical training. His work as an educator began in the 1920s, and his innovative approaches continue to influence music teaching today. Orff's life and work were significantly shaped by the historical context of his time, including the rise of the Third Reich and the Nazi regime's complex relationship with his music. His legacy endures as a composer who not only created powerful, evocative music but also revolutionized the way we think about musical education.