Carl Orff - O Fortuna Carmina Burana May 2026

The goddess Fortuna "spins" the wheel, causing some to rise to power while others fall into ruin.

The central theme of the entire work is the Rota Fortunae (Wheel of Fortune), a medieval concept representing the fickle nature of luck and destiny. Carl Orff - O Fortuna Carmina Burana

By using "O Fortuna" as both the prologue and epilogue, Orff creates a musical "circle," mirroring the never-ending turn of the wheel. 10 Places You've Heard Carmina Burana - Erie Philharmonic The goddess Fortuna "spins" the wheel, causing some

"O Fortuna" is a direct complaint to the goddess, comparing fate to the moon—constantly changing, waxing, and waning. The goddess Fortuna "spins" the wheel

The goddess Fortuna "spins" the wheel, causing some to rise to power while others fall into ruin.

The central theme of the entire work is the Rota Fortunae (Wheel of Fortune), a medieval concept representing the fickle nature of luck and destiny.

By using "O Fortuna" as both the prologue and epilogue, Orff creates a musical "circle," mirroring the never-ending turn of the wheel. 10 Places You've Heard Carmina Burana - Erie Philharmonic

"O Fortuna" is a direct complaint to the goddess, comparing fate to the moon—constantly changing, waxing, and waning.