By leaving cookies enabled in your browser settings, you consent to their use. If you do not agree to the use of cookies, change your browser settings. I accept. Main Stage. Sold out. See more dates. World premiere. Frankfurt am Main, 8 June Polish premiere. In the original version, with Polish subtitels. More information. Secular songs; lyrics after the medieval manuscript from the abbey of Benediktbeuern Bavaria Prologue and final reprise by the composer.
Carl Orff selected from this vast collection of texts, created by vagrants, students and wandering clerics, 24 songs and composed them in some sort of a libretto. The first part comprises songs celebrating nature and the awakening spring, the second part is a praise of Bacchus and the third one tells of pleasures of love.
The motto of the entire piece is apotheosis of life and affirmation of the world. Only approval to order and structure of the macrocosm will allow a human to maintain purity of soul and live according to nature. In joking words, girls ask a vagrant pedlar to give them some rouge to colour their cheeks and attract boys.
In conclusion, all the merrymakers join in a song in honour of Bacchus. In the final movement, the choir sings a song in honour of Venus.
However, as it is not Venus but Fortune that really rules the world, the whole work is concluded by a reprise of the opening hymn in her praise.
