Carl Orff

Carl Orff (1895–1982), the German composer, is best known for Carmina Burana (1936), a cantata setting medieval poems to music of raw, primal power — none more famous than the thunderous opening and closing chorus "O Fortuna". Built on driving rhythm and massed voices, it has become one of the most performed and most recognisable works of the 20th century. Orff was also a pioneering music educator. Performed live, with choir and ensemble, Carmina Burana is overwhelming.