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 UK, this performance confirmed his rare ability to bridge serious musicianship with mass appeal – a vibrant, unforgettable classic that continues to resonate across generations.