The Carmina Burana

The "Carmina Burana" is a cantata composed by Carl Orff in the early 20th century, based on a collection of poems from the 11th to 13th centuries. These poems, discovered in a Benedictine monastery in Bavaria, celebrate themes of fate, love, and the joys and sorrows of life through vibrant and often playful lyrics. The most famous movement, "O Fortuna," reflects on the unpredictable nature of fortune and fate. The work is known for its powerful rhythms and dramatic choral singing, making it popular in concert halls and films, symbolizing the human experience across time.