Composer



Genre

Context/Influences



Unifying features




Compositional Style



Melody



Harmony



Tonality

Rhythm


Carl Orff (1895-1982)
Born in Munich, Germany
Began studying organ and cello but was more interested in
composing
Oratorio (Choir and Orchestra)
254 German and Latin poems and text written during the
medieval era by goliards (defrocked monks and minstrels)
Orff liked the poems because of the variety of emotions
described throughout the verses. He selected 24 verses
from the 46 available to him with the aid of a law student
by the name of Michael Hoffman.
Was intended to be a semi-theatrical piece
Reminiscent of Gregorian chants
254 poems by medieval goliards
The main theme in O Fortuna
Difficult solos set in the highest ranges of the
instrument/voice or solos with instructions to sing a
certain way (like the tenor solo in Olim Lacus Columeram
where the soloist must sing in falsetto to imitate a burning
swan).
‘Elementare Musik’ a concept created by Orff which
unifies the arts much like the Greek Muses had. Carmina
Burana is a unity of sound, dance, poetry, visual arts, and
theatre.
It was mostly based on the idea of a\the wheel of fortune
(not the game show)
Orff was heavily influenced by Stravinsky’s ‘Les Noces’
Mostly written in a style similar to plainsong (Gregorian
chant).
Counterpoint melody is rarely used.
Pretty conjunct and distinct
Simple harmonic structure, vocalists are often supported
by a sustained bass note.
Not very complex
Has Parallel harmony
Tonal (avoids chromatic or atonal idioms)
Meter changes frequently
Sounds conversational with the changes rhythms and
pauses.
Form

Ostinato is frequently used

Carmina Burana is divided into five major sections and
contains 25 movements in total (O Fortuna opens and
closes the piece).
Is divided into three main scenes: the joy of spring,
drinking, and love.
The movements within each scene are marked with an
attacca.
Homophonic
Parallel Organum
In O Fortuna, the timbre is almost barbaric at times.
In other movements it sounds very sweet and rich.
Huge dynamic contrast


Texture


Timbre


Expression
