CARMINA BURANA

Archaic power, rhythmic energy, and overwhelming richness of sound: With »Carmina Burana«, Carl Orff created one of the world’s most popular choral works. Since its premiere in 1937, this powerful composition—featuring a chorus, children’s choir, three solo voices, and orchestra—has captivated music lovers of all generations. The opening chorus »O Fortuna« has long been known far beyond concert halls and appears as a haunting soundtrack in films, TV series, and commercials. For Carl Orff, the work marked a turning point in his career: he declared it his »Opus Number 1.« He drew inspiration from a collection of medieval songs and poems preserved at the Benediktbeuern Abbey. When the libretto fell into his hands, he was electrified: »Images and words overwhelmed me. Although at first I could only familiarize myself with the content of the poetry collection in broad strokes, a new work immediately took shape in my mind.«

To mark its anniversary, the Ludwigsburg Festival is presenting a world premiere as a prelude to Orff’s classic. Composers from the Film Academy Baden-Württemberg are writing a suite that explores the world of »Carmina Burana« in its own unique way: into the Middle Ages, between a monastery cell and a wine jug, spring awakening and love, happiness and fate. Drawing on the ideas conveyed by the historical texts, the younger generation is developing its own musical language—shaped by the art of storytelling they know from film.

A co-production with the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg and the Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra.

The concert is part of the Festival-Subscription FORUM.