Blog posting written by Chloe Wilson, Television-Radio ’14, FLEFF Intern, Ashland, Massachusetts.

This isn't your typical "wheel of fortune."

One of the major events of FLEFF's programming is the performance of Carmina Burana - a cantata that consists of medieval poetry (written in Latin) set to music composed in the later 1930s.  If you haven't heard it, I definitely recommend listening to it - it's a moving set of pieces (you've probably heard parts of it before) that are powerful and beautiful to listen to.

As somebody who has a background in classical music, I always enjoy getting the chance to explore new pieces of music.  When I sat down to listen to Carmina Burana, I was surprised with how familiar I already was with some of the music.  "O Fortuna!" is probably the most recognizable piece from the cantata.

I loved all of the music, but what I find most interesting about Carmina Burana is the symbolism behind the piece.  Carmina Burana is about the Wheel of Fortune - a medieval, philosophical concept that shows the cycle of life as a wheel.  At one moment, a person may be at the top.  At another, a person may be at the bottom.

This is reflected prominently in the music with how the melodies and volumes change throughout Carmina Burana.  I found the cantata to be easy to listen to because of this, and it's a piece that definitely consumes your attention.

You can listen to the full cantata here, and I definitely recommend doing so.

I'm excited for the FLEFF performance because instead of a full chorus, there will be brass instruments - like saxophones and trombones.  Have you listened to Carmina Burana yet?