O Fortuna!

Carmina Burana is an opera written by German composer Carl Orff (1895-1982). Famous for its opening chorus "O Fortuna," Orff derived the opera from ancient poems that explore universal human themes of fate, the joys of life, and the revelry of drinking, gambling, and love. The work was first performed at the Frankfurt Opera in 1937, and its powerful rhythms and dramatic scope have made it a staple of classical music.

The collection of poems, songs, and dramatic texts, also known as the Codex Buranus, was compiled in the 13th century. The poems are written in Latin and vernacular languages and are attributed to "goliards," groups of itinerant students and clerics known for their satire and love of earthly pleasures. The texts cover a range of topics, including springtime festivities, the court of love, and satirical observations on society.

The oratorio premiered in 1937 and became his most famous work, with Orff considering it the beginning of his collected works.  It is characterized by its powerful, dramatic nature, featuring a large orchestra, a significant battery of percussion instruments, and a large chorus. The opening movement, "O Fortuna," is instantly recognizable for its pulsating rhythms and dramatic build and used in popular culture to evoke dramatic or epic moments. The work's continued popularity stems from its relatable themes of life's fortunes and misfortunes, connecting the medieval world to the present.

Carmina Burana is part of a trilogy with two other works, Catulli Carmina and Trionfo di Afrodite, all inspired by themes from Greek and medieval theatre.