Catulli Carmina

The Catulli Carmina is a scenic cantata by German composer Carl Orff based on poems of the Roman writer Catullus.

Carl Orff set to music in 1930 poems of Catullus in seven a cappella choirs and called this Catulli Carmina. He expanded in 1943 by adding a background story to the Ludi scaenici, so scenic games, so is the subtitle: Ludi scaenici " Rumoresque senum severiorum omnes unius aestimemus assis".

In Latin he himself wrote the text for the acting figures: Catullus, his lover Lesbia, Caelius her boyfriend and two prostitutes. The plot is represented by dancers, while the choir sings the Catulli Carmina. The orchestra consists of four pianos, four timpani and percussion for ten to twelve players.

The Catulli Carmina premiered on November 6, 1943 under the direction of Paul Schmitz in Leipzig Opera House.

Orff Carmina subsequently added the Catulli with the Trionfo di Afrodite Carmina Burana and together the triptych trionfi.

Action

Foreplay

While youths and maidens praise the eternity of love, it is doubted by the old men. You remember the fate of Catullus and want to heal the youth of her love wobble.

Act 1

Catullus leaning against a pillar and raves about his lover Lesbia to. After a dance of love Catullus falls asleep, Lesbia leaves him and dances in front of her admirers in a tavern. Catullus awakens, sees this and complains to a friend.

Act 2

Catullus creeps at night Lesbias house and sees himself in a dream in her arms. On waking, he realizes desperate reality: his friend Caelius is her lover.

Act 3

Catullus portrays the courtesan Ipsitilla in a letter his suffering. Disgusted by the matchmaker Ammiana, he turns back to Lesbia, in order then to leave yet.

Injury

The story of Catullus missed on the young people to have effect, they insure the future of their love.

Discography (selection)

• 2010 Catulli Carmina ( Stravinsky: Les Noces )