Andre Previn, London Symphony Orchestra - Orff: Carmina Burana

Andre Previn, London Symphony Orchestra — Carl Orff: Carmina burana

"Carmina burana is fun: Carmina Burana has emotions that are real. Those are the two distinctive points that come out very clearly in this vividly characterised performance, which should win many new listeners and enjoyers." — Gramophone

André Previn's landmark 1974 recording of Carmina burana with the London Symphony Orchestra remains one of the most electrifying accounts of Orff's exuberant cantata. From the momentous opening "O Fortuna" to the rapturous closing chorus, Previn brings out the rhythmic vitality, sensuality, and theatrical flair of this hedonistic celebration of life and love. The soloists — Sheila Armstrong, Gerald English, and especially Thomas Allen — shine with clarity and character, while the London Symphony Chorus and the spirited Boys' Choir of St Clement Danes Grammar School elevate the performance to ecstatic heights.

Captured in the acoustically rich Kingsway Hall and produced by Christopher Bishop, this recording delivers an immediacy and spontaneity that have stood the test of time. As Previn's classical career blossomed in the U.K., this performance confirmed his rare ability to bridge serious musicianship with mass appeal — a vibrant, unforgettable classic that continues to resonate across generations.

1. Carmina Burana, Introduction, Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi: O Fortuna

2. Carmina Burana, Introduction, Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi: Fortune Plango Vulnera

3. Carmina Burana, Pt. 1, Primo Vere: Veris Leta Facies

4. Carmina Burana, Pt. 1, Primo Vere: Omnia Sol Temperat

5. Carmina Burana, Pt. 1, Primo Vere: Ecce Gratum

6. Carmina Burana, Pt. 1, Uf Dem Anger: Tanz

7. Carmina Burana, Pt. 1, Uf Dem Anger: Floret Silva Nobilis

8. Carmina Burana, Pt. 1, Uf Dem Anger: Chramer, Gip Die Varwe Mir

9. Carmina Burana, Pt. 1, Uf Dem Anger: Reie - Swaz Hie Gat Umbe - Chume, Chum, Geselle Min

10. Carmina Burana, Pt. 1, Uf Dem Anger: Were Diu Werlt Alle Min

11. Carmina Burana, Pt. 2, in Taberna: Estuans Interius

12. Carmina Burana, Pt. 2, in Taberna: Olim Lacus Colueram

13. Carmina Burana, Pt. 2, in Taberna: Ego Sum Abbas Cucaniensis

14. Carmina Burana, Pt. 2, in Taberna: In Taberna Quando Sumus

15. Carmina Burana, Pt. 3, Cour D'amours: Amor Volat Undique

16. Carmina Burana, Pt. 3, Cour D'amours: Dies, Nox Et Omnia

17. Carmina Burana, Pt. 3, Cour D'amours: Stetit Puella

18. Carmina Burana, Pt. 3, Cour D'amours: Circa Mea Pectora

19. Carmina Burana, Pt. 3, Cour D'amours: Si Puer Cum Puellula

20. Carmina Burana, Pt. 3, Cour D'amours: Veni, Veni, Venias

21. Carmina Burana, Pt. 3, Cour D'amours: In Trutina

22. Carmina Burana, Pt. 3, Cour D'amours: Tempus Est Iocundum

23. Carmina Burana, Pt. 3, Cour D'amours: Dulcissime

24. Carmina Burana, Pt. 4, Blanziflor Et Helena: Ave Formosissima

25. Carmina Burana, Conclusion, Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi: O Fortuna

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