Everybody knows the first (and final) part of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, but what about the rest? Well, here we go. This is Jean-Pierre Ponnelle 1975 film version, which, depending on your point of view, is either überkitsch, total trash, or art house (or maybe all at the same time). If you want to hear what this piece was supposed to sound like you can find a great recording here (overseen by the composer himself, and very percussion heavy).

(just in case you’re wondering the final part repeats the very first part)

PS: In my personal book, Orff deserves a lot of credit for his Schulwerk: “The Orff approach of music education uses very rudimentary forms of everyday activities in the purpose of music creation by young individuals. This includes singing in groups and performing voice instrumental music, rhymes and playing instruments such as the metallophone, xylophone, glockenspiel, and other percussive instruments.” When I was in elementary school, I was able to attend Schulwerk classes, and I am convinced that part of my own personal preference for strongly percussive music originated there.