Shaping the future together.
© Schenkung Minna Ronnefeld (COS/Archiv: OZM), Carl Orff, Godela Orff und Dorothe Günter vor der Uraufführung von Carmina Burana im Juni 1937 in Frankfurt
In 1937, the Frankfurt Opera adds Carmina Burana to its repertoire. The premiere takes place on Tuesday, 8 June. The reactions to the performance are overwhelmingly positive. At a time of general artistic upheaval and the search for new musical styles, many consider the work to be ‘of utmost importance for thedevelopment of modern music.‘Adolf Kolb: Radio of the Week: Broadcasts from 6 to 12 June 1937 In: Freiburger Zeitung (morning edition) 16 June 1937.
© COS/Archiv: OZM, Bühnenbildentwurf von Ludwig Sievert für die Uraufführung von Carmina Burana 1937
After its premiere, however, it took three years for Carmina Burana to return to the stage. Richard Strauss helped the work achieve its final breakthrough when he attended a performance in Vienna in 1942 and was thrilled. After the Second World War, Carmina Burana began its international triumph with productions in London (1950), Tokyo (1955) and New York (1956).To this day, choirs in Germany, Europe and around the world are fascinated by Carmina Burana. It is the most frequently performed choral work of the 21st century.
The rousing character of Orff's music impresses not only classical music fans, but also on social media. Films and series, from Excalibur and Enigma to Shrek and The Simpsons, use the opening chorus O Fortuna in particular for their soundtracks. Chocolate and loudspeakers, beer and football – almost any product can be advertised with Orff's goddess of fate. But it's not just companies that rely on the stimulating effect of the music; sports and pop stars such as boxer Henry Maske and singer Michael Jackson do too.
© COS/Archiv: OZM, Kostümskizze von Ludwig Sievert für die Uraufführung von Carmina Burana 1937
