Carmina Burana (1978) [N/A]
Featuring:
Lucia Popp, John van Kesteren, Hermann Prey
Written by:
Jean-Pierre Ponnelle
Jean-Louis Martinoty
Directed by:
Jean-Pierre Ponnelle
Release Date:
September 29, 1978
Original Title:
Carmina Burana
Genres:
Drama | Music
Production Companies:
Bavaria Film
ZDF
Production Countries:
Germany
Ratings / Certifications:
N/A
Runtime: 60
A very visual and profound dramatization of the various sections of Carmina Burana, a symphonic piece composed by Carl Orff about medieval poetry by an anonymous author.
Luckily when UK BBC2 broadcast this on Saturday 16th October 1976 I sound recorded it, and have enjoyed listening to it regularly since. After 35 years I've seen the pictures again on DVD and wasn't disappointed, although it surprised me just how many of my memories of it were plain wrong. Such is probably due to the passing of youth!This was the dramatic rendition of Carl Orff's most famous piece of music, how he wanted it to look but seldom performed as such nowadays. It was finally filmed by West German TV in 1975 with the close co-operation of Orff in honour of his 80th birthday. The various stories of young lust and gluttony are playfully and skillfully brought to life – not great acting but always zestful and emotive. As was previously commented on, the acting and scenery deserve your occasional especial attention, so switching off the Latin to English subtitles might sometimes help. The intoxicating music of course was wonderful from O Fortuna and all the way back round the wheel again. Lucia Popp was never anything less – it was her In Trutina here which led to me back-collecting her works and eventually responsible for opening up my ears to Mozart. I think she was one of the finest recorded female singers, ever.It's obviously a Seventies production but I've no problems with that and wholeheartedly recommend it. I missed the BBC's Robin Ray introducing it but you can't have everything! It may be best watched sober - but, if no other vice is desired or possible and cold sobriety for a clinical auditory review is out of the question, instead watch and listen to this unique piece of entertainment when joyously drunk with love (or maybe even a drink or two will do) and in good voice.
