The Composer Behind ‘O Fortuna' and Modern Latin Chant
It has become one of the most popular classical works of the 20th century. But what is it about 'Carmina Burana' that continues to grip audiences nearly a century after its premiere?
Finding Music Within
Even if Orff had never composed any memorable music, we would still remember his name today. Early in his career, before he turned to serious composition, he founded a school in Munich where he developed a new method of teaching music to children.
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Epoch Times
30-07-2025
- Epoch Times
The Composer Behind ‘O Fortuna' and Modern Latin Chant
Carl Orff, born in July 1895, composed numerous pieces, including 18 stage works. Among these, he is best known for the thunderous cantata 'Carmina Burana.' It was his first major work, one that he started writing when he was already 40. It has become one of the most popular classical works of the 20th century. But what is it about 'Carmina Burana' that continues to grip audiences nearly a century after its premiere? Finding Music Within Even if Orff had never composed any memorable music, we would still remember his name today. Early in his career, before he turned to serious composition, he founded a school in Munich where he developed a new method of teaching music to children.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
Area educators to perform free concert May 12 in Staunton as part of the Valley Wind Ensemble
Celebrating its 10th year, the Valley Wind Ensemble is planning a free concert May 12 at 7 p.m. at Staunton High School's John Lewis Auditorium. Stephen Bolstad, professor emeritus at James Madison University and the school's director of bands from 2007 until 2024, is the conductor of the Valley Wind Ensemble. Formed in 2015, the ensemble provides an outlet for music educators in the Shenandoah Valley as well as other invited musicians. "Our program is a very demanding and challenging program for the players," Bolstad said, "but it is also very audience friendly." More: A week of giving in the Shenandoah Valley: The Digest A list of music for this year's program along with comments from Bolstad: "Masque" (2001) - Kenneth Hesketh (British composer) "Technically very challenging for the players, but lots of fun to listen to." "With Heart and Voice" (2001) - David Gillingham"The piece is based on the familiar hymn tune 'Come, Christians, Join and Sing,' and Gillingham presents the melody in a wide variety of musical settings." "Lux Perpetua" (2020) - Frank Tichel"For anyone familiar with band music, Frank Ticheli is a well known name. The title of this piece translates to perpetual light. The piece was commissioned by the Baylor University Wind Ensemble in memory of two of their students who tragically died in an automobile accident. The piece has three sections with the outer sections being lyrical and reflective, and the middle section being triumphant and celebratory." "Carmina Burana" (1937) - Carl Orff (German composer)"Carmina Burana is Orff's most famous work, and this multi-movement piece is the biggest piece on our concert. Everyone will recognize several of its melodies because they have been borrowed in pop culture and TV commercials." Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County educators performing in the ensemble: Jonathan Wilson, Staunton High Charlie Nesmith, Shelburne Middle Matt Baraclaugh, Wilson Memorial High Tim DeSimone, Wilson Middle Austin Gilbert, Wilson Memorial High Sarah Maslock, Waynesboro High Justus Butler, Riverheads High Marshelle Moore, Riverheads Middle Sarah Zotian, Hugh K. Cassell Elementary Micthell Evans, Buffalo Gap Middle Jadelyn Talley, Buffalo Gap High Hunter Alen, Stuarts Draft Middle Alan Shull, Principal, Fort Defiance High Doug Lane, retired Staunton High More: Man headed to prison after striking up online relationship with Waynesboro teen — Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Connect with Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@ and on Instagram @hitepatrick. Subscribe to us at This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Valley Wind Ensemble performing May 12 at Staunton High School
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
Kendal to celebrate 450 years of incorporation with concert
A town is set to celebrate the 450th anniversary of the granting of a charter - by Queen Elizabeth I. The Tudor monarch granted a charter of incorporation to Kendal in 1575. The charter meant that the town became self-governing, giving the borough council legal status, a formal constitution, a borough seal, and "much civic dignity," in the words of a spokesperson. The town's governance was initially headed by 12 burgesses, one of whom was selected as the alderman or chief magistrate. The office of mayor was only established later by King Charles I in 1636. There was also a chief legal officer and 24 assistants or ordinary councillors. Residents did not vote for these posts. From 1575, minutes of meetings and records of decisions were kept. Kendal's powerful trade guilds also became a formal part of the town's governance, controlling the quality of and access to trades such as wool, tanning, and building. To mark the anniversary, Kendal Parish Church will host a concert on Saturday, May 10, at 7pm, in which four Kendal choirs - Kendal South, Amabile, Poco Amabile, and FELLas - will join forces. The concert will also feature a large percussion section, with five percussionists. The financial support of Kendal Town Council has made the concert possible. The choirs will perform Carmina Burana, composed by Carl Orff in 1935, which is based on 24 poems dating from the 11th to the 13th century. These poems cover a wide range of topics, including the fickleness of fortune and wealth, the fleeting nature of life, the joy of spring, and the pleasures and dangers of drinking, gluttony, gambling, and lust. Some of the music may be familiar as it is often heard in TV advertisements.
