NPR this morning had a story on Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, a "scenic oratorio" based on "a collection of 13th-century stories, poems and songs which was discovered in 1803 at a monestary in Beuern, Bavaria" and are noted for their passionate appreciation of "love, lust, the pleasures of drinking and the heightened moods evoked by springtime." Definitely something to check out if you're not familiar with it. Here are some resources:
- NPR story by Maestro Marin Alsop, which includes musical samples.
The subject matter covered in Carmina stays pretty basic: love, lust, the pleasures of drinking and the heightened moods evoked by springtime. These primitive and persistently relevant themes are nicely camouflaged by the Latin and old German texts, so the listener can actually feign ignorance while listening to virtually X-rated lyrics. (Veni Veni Venias! Come, come come now!)
- Carmina Burana FAQ
- MIDI files
- Lyrics
8. Chramer, gip die varwe mir (Shopkeeper, give me colour)
(Semi-Chorus)
Chramer, gip die varwe mir, Shopkeeper, give me colour
die min wengel roete, to make my cheeks red,
damit ich die jungen man so that I can make the young men
an ir dank der minnenliebe noete. love me, against their will.
Seht mich an, Look at me,
jungen man! young men!
lat mich iu gevallen! Let me please you!
Minnet, tugentliche man, Good men, love
minnecliche frouwen! women worthy of love!
minne tuot iu hoch gemout Love ennobles your spirit
unde lat iuch in hohen eren schouwen and gives you honour.
Seht mich an Look at me,
jungen man! young men!
lat mich iu gevallen! Let me please you!
Wol dir, werit, daz du bist Hail, world,
also freudenriche! so rich in joys!
ich will dir sin undertan I will be obedient to you
durch din liebe immer sicherliche. because of the pleasures you afford.
Seht mich an, Look at me,
jungen man! young men!
lat mich iu gevallen! Let me please you!
Great music to start the day!
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