Carmina Burana

The Israeli Vocal Ensemble
Soloist: Alexei Kanunikov – Bass
Percussionists and pianist TBA
Conductor: Yuval Benozer

Carmina Burana by Carl Orff is one of the most thrilling and beloved works of the 20th century. The work is based on a collection of medieval poems in Latin and Middle High German celebrating the beauty of nature, love, and the cycle of life, alongside satirical verses mocking the hypocrisy of religious institutions, among other themes. Orff clothed these texts in vivid musical colours, combining driving rhythms, rich melodies, and large, impressive choral movements. Together, these elements transformed the ancient texts into a bacchanalian celebration and granted the work immense popularity. In addition to the original orchestral version, which requires a massive ensemble, various arrangements have been created over the years that preserve the choral and solo parts while reducing the orchestral forces. This performance presents an arrangement for two percussionists and piano by Tomer Yariv.