Arnold Szyfman Polish Theatre in Warsaw
Carl Orff
Carmina Burana
Scenic cantata based on the medieval collection of songs Carmina Burana (codex buranus)
Duration: 70 minutes
Joanna Moskowicz (soprano)
Alicja Węgorzewska (mezzosoprano)
Rafał Tomkiewicz (tenor)
Damian Wilma (baritone)
Dancers:
Karolina Banaszek, Joanna Lichorowicz-Greś, Jakub Jóźwiak, Szymon Osiński, Mirosław Woźniak
Vocal Ensemble of Warsaw Chamber Opera
Conductor of Vocal Ensemble – Krzysztof Kusiel-Moroz
Piano:
Marta Kostrych, Olha Bilas
Percussion
Stanisław Skoczyński
Stanisław Halat
Anna Górna
Kettledrums
Krzysztof Niezgoda
Director and choreographer:
Inga Pilchowska
Conductor:
Krzysztof Kusiel-Moroz
Carmina Burana is Carl Orff’s most famous and recognizable work. It was based on 12th-century medieval songs and poems (Codex buranus), found in the Benedictine monastery in Benediktbauer in 1803, on which Carl Orff based on and composed in 1937 a scenic cantata for orchestra, choir and vocal soloists, dominated by rhythm and simply harmonized choral parts. The premiere of the work took place at the Frankfurt Opera in 1937 and was staged by Oscar Wälterlin.
The work is scored for a symphony orchestra with an extensive section of percussion instruments and two pianos, mixed chorus, boys’ choir and soloists.
Carmina Burana is a synthesis of music, singing, poetry, dance and acting. The composer was inspired by the ancient Greek theatre, hence the prominent role in his work plays the choir and percussion instruments. Today it is one of the most popular mass musical phenomena. Its pop culture potential has been confirmed by numerous rock studies, quotes in movies and commercials.