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Carmina Burana (arrangement)

Carmina Burana is a collection of medieval Latin and German poems set to music by composer Carl Orff in 1936. Its famous opening piece, "O Fortuna," is a powerful choral work that captures themes of fate and the unpredictability of life. Orff’s arrangement emphasizes bold rhythms, dramatic choral singing, and instrumentals, creating an intense, theatrical sound. Originally a scenic cantata, it is often performed by large orchestras and choirs, and has become iconic in popular culture for its grandeur and emotional impact. The arrangement transforms ancient texts into a modern masterpiece of musical expression.