2017-2018 Season
Celebrating Dr. Bruce Cain in his 20th year as Musical Director
Spring Concert: Carmina Burana by Carl Orff
When: Sunday, March 25th, 2018, at 3:00 pm
Where: Alma Thomas Theater at Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas
Who: San Gabriel Chorale with soloists under the direction of Dr. Bruce Cain
- Dana Zenobi, soprano
- Jameson James, tenor
- Timothy O'Brien, baritone
Tickets: $20 adults, $10 students (free with SU ID)
Carmina Burana is a scenic cantata composed by Carl Orff (1895-1982) based on 24 poems from the German medieval collection of the same name. With a libretto by Michel Hofmann, this work premiered in 1937 in Frankfurt to popular acclaim. It became the most famous work in Germany in that politically volatile time, and since has become well established in the international classic repertoire. The poems themselves cover such well known themes as the fickleness of fortune and wealth, the joy of Spring, the fleeting nature of life, and the joys and sorrows of earthly pleasures. The piece is performed mostly in Latin and High Middle German, reflecting the origins of the poems. Originally conceived as a staged work with choreography and stage action, it is now usually performed as a cantata, with soloists and instrumentalists. Many listeners will recognize musical themes that have been used extensively in film scores, television, commercials and even video games to signal dramatic or cataclysmic situations. Carl Orff was a German composer best known for Carmina Burana. He also composed a number of other choral works, including Antigonae and Prometheus, based on ancient themes. Some scholars interpret these later works as extensions of Carmina Burana. He lived and worked in Germany through the years including World War I, the Weimar republic, the rise of Nazi Germany, and World War II. He also became influential in the area of music education for children, working with musical beginners from the 1920’s until the end of his life.
