Immerse yourself in the profound and captivating world of Carl Orff's final masterpiece, "De Temporum Fine Comoedia." This choral opera-oratorio, released in 2007 by Deutsche Grammophon, is a testament to Orff's unique compositional style and his enduring legacy in the realm of classical music. Spanning a total of 18 tracks and just over an hour, this album is a monumental work that Orff spent a decade perfecting, reflecting his deep personal investment and artistic vision.
"De Temporum Fine Comoedia" translates to "Play on the End of Times," and it delves into themes of apocalypse, redemption, and the human condition. The work is divided into three parts, each exploring different facets of Orff's philosophical and spiritual inquiries. The Latin and Greek texts, combined with Orff's distinctive rhythmic and melodic language, create a powerful and evocative listening experience.
The album features the WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln and is conducted by the legendary Herbert von Karajan, ensuring a performance of the highest caliber. The choral arrangements are particularly striking, showcasing Orff's ability to blend raw, primal energy with sophisticated musical structures. The orchestration is rich and textured, providing a dramatic backdrop to the vocal performances.
Highlights of the album include the intense and dramatic "Vae, vae ibunt, ibunt" and the hauntingly beautiful "Kyrie, Kyrie, Kyrie." The final track, "Con sublima spiritualità," offers a serene and uplifting conclusion to the work, reflecting Orff's belief in the transformative power of music.
For fans of Carl Orff and lovers of choral music, "De Temporum Fine Comoedia" is an essential addition to any collection. It stands as a powerful testament to Orff's genius and his enduring influence on the world of classical music.
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 1: I. Heis – Heis – theos estinCarl Orff, WDR Rundfunkchor, RIAS Kammerchor, Tölzer Knabenchor, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 1: II. Opse theu g'aleusi myloiCarl Orff, WDR Rundfunkchor, RIAS Kammerchor, Tölzer Knabenchor, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 1: III. Pasin, pasin homuCarl Orff, WDR Rundfunkchor, RIAS Kammerchor, Tölzer Knabenchor, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 1: IV. Choneuso gar hapanta kaiCarl Orff, WDR Rundfunkchor, RIAS Kammerchor, Tölzer Knabenchor, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 1: V. Vae, vae ibunt, ibuntCarl Orff, WDR Rundfunkchor, RIAS Kammerchor, Tölzer Knabenchor, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 2: VI. Upote, maepote...Carl Orff, WDR Rundfunkchor, RIAS Kammerchor, Tölzer Knabenchor, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 2: VII. Unus solus deus ab aeternoCarl Orff, WDR Rundfunkchor, RIAS Kammerchor, Tölzer Knabenchor, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 2: VIII. Nicht Satanas, der WidersacherCarl Orff, WDR Rundfunkchor, RIAS Kammerchor, Tölzer Knabenchor, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 2: IX. Mundus, terrenusCarl Orff, WDR Rundfunkchor, RIAS Kammerchor, Tölzer Knabenchor, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 2: X. Wann endet die Zeit?Carl Orff, WDR Rundfunkchor, RIAS Kammerchor, Tölzer Knabenchor, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 2: XI. Gott, schenk uns WahrsagungCarl Orff, WDR Rundfunkchor, RIAS Kammerchor, Tölzer Knabenchor, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 3: XII. Wi irren wir hin, verloren, verlassenCarl Orff, WDR Rundfunkchor, RIAS Kammerchor, Tölzer Knabenchor, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 3: XIII. Kyrie, Kyrie, KyrieCarl Orff, WDR Rundfunkchor, RIAS Kammerchor, Tölzer Knabenchor, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 3: XIV. Angor, timor, horror, terrorCarl Orff, WDR Rundfunkchor, RIAS Kammerchor, Tölzer Knabenchor, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 3: XV. Omne genus daemoniorumCarl Orff, WDR Rundfunkchor, RIAS Kammerchor, Tölzer Knabenchor, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 3: XVI. Vae, vae, portae inferiCarl Orff, WDR Rundfunkchor, RIAS Kammerchor, Tölzer Knabenchor, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 3: XVII. Pater peccaviCarl Orff, Peter Schreier, Christa Ludwig, Rolf Boysen, Tölzer Knabenchor, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
De temporum fine comoedia, Pt. 3: XVIII. Con sublima spiritualitàCarl Orff, WDR Sinfonieorchester, Herbert von Karajan
Carl Orff, born in Munich in 1895, was a German composer and music educator whose name is indelibly linked to his monumental cantata "Carmina Burana." This sprawling, dramatic work, composed in the mid-1930s, is a symphonic tour de force for full orchestra, symphony choir, and youth choir, setting to music texts from a 13th-century collection of poems. Orff's innovative approach to composition and his unique rhythmic and melodic language make "Carmina Burana" a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
Beyond his compositional prowess, Orff was a pioneer in music education, developing the Schulwerk, a method that emphasized rhythm, movement, and improvisation, and which has had a lasting impact on children's musical training. His work as an educator began in the 1920s, and his innovative approaches continue to influence music teaching today. Orff's life and work were significantly shaped by the historical context of his time, including the rise of the Third Reich and the Nazi regime's complex relationship with his music. His legacy endures as a composer who not only created powerful, evocative music but also revolutionized the way we think about musical education.
Vinylscout
Carl Orff
