NOTE: I know this is supposed to be in the Music-Non Prince forum, but I'm hoping to get more views here, and this is driving me nuts...

I've got a song in my head that I need you guys to identify. This'll be a tough one because it ain't in English and I have slim info...

It's a very famous choral piece, used in many, many movies for grand dramatic or triumphant effect. The mostly female choir (though there may be some male voices) belts out their passage over and over, and the piece builds to a climax of blaring brass, strings and percussion.

I know that description sucks majorly, but the song has been used tons of times -- mostly in period pieces. I also specifically recall it being used in the remake of The Crucible with Winona Ryder (or at least in the trailer).

NPR did a whole show on the history of this piece a couple months back, and while it's absolutely sublime, the talkshow guests mention it actually has roots as an old European bar song! A friend told me it may be "Harmona... something"

Any ideas at all?

What!?!? No keepers of high culture on the org???

I thought you might be talking about the music from The Omen..but i'm not sure..

I think I know what song Ur talking about. When I find out the name I'll tell U.

Lleena said:

No, but it does sound a lot like this... only it gets REALLY loud and bombastic at the end.
[This message was edited Mon Oct 6 13:05:10 PDT 2003 by Lammastide]

Shit! I think I know what it is! I will try and find out now!

JDINTERACTIVE said:

QUICK! The anticipation is making me have to pee!

Lammastide said:

ehehehe, I think, and I say think, it's...

Carmena Vurina its an opera piece by Karl Orff.
[This message was edited Mon Oct 6 13:06:43 PDT 2003 by JDINTERACTIVE]

JDINTERACTIVE said:

I THINK THAT'S IT!!! I'm off to try to download it!

JD, you are the friggin' MAN!!!

How'd you find that?

Lammastide said:

ehehe, aww jeez.

I just had a funny feeling it was what U were looking for. I had 2 hum it 2 my Mum over the phone so she could tell me! ehehe

IT'S CALLED O' FORTUNA by karl orff
[This message was edited Mon Oct 6 13:16:25 PDT 2003 by Vashti]

Vashti said:

Oh, have 2 get 1 up on me as usual eh Bash?

I think it's spelled "Carmina Burana." Thanks again, JD!

...And you actually called your mom just for me!?!? I'll remember you when I'm rich and famous.
[This message was edited Mon Oct 6 13:21:04 PDT 2003 by Lammastide]

JDINTERACTIVE said:

NOT THIS ONE!!!

LAMMA..it's O'FORTUNA...TRUST ME!!!

Vashti, where might I have heard this? I'll check both.

Lammastide said:

in the movie you mentioned...PLUS MANY MANY MORE!!!

I'm sure the moment you hear the beginning..you'll know it!!!


O' FORTUNA

Whatever next Vashti? Bib Fortuna???

Vashti said:

Cool! You guys are awesome.

JDINTERACTIVE said:

who the fuck is BIB FORTUNA!??!! and what is that around "IT'S" neck?!!

:LOL:

Your just mad cuz I knew the song!!

Carmina Burana is the name of the OPERA the song was written for!!

just so you know!!


EXCALIBUR EDIT!!
[This message was edited Mon Oct 6 13:25:17 PDT 2003 by Vashti]

Vashti said:

eheheh, he's some geek from Star Wars. How do I know what that 'thing' is around he's neck?!?!?! Do I look like George Lucas?!

Carmina Burana is one of the most powerful and dynamic classical pieces of the 20th century. The best known part of Carmina Burana is it's opening section, titled "O Fortuna":

O Fortuna
velut luna
statu variabilis,
semper crescis
aut decrescis;
vita detestabilis
nunc obdurat
et tunc curat
ludo mentis aciem,
egestatem,
potestatem
dissolvit ut glaciem.

Translation:
O Fortune,
like the moon
you are changeable,
ever waxing
and waning;
hateful life
first oppresses
and then soothes
as fancy takes it;
poverty
and power
it melts them like ice

It's actually a very 'primitive' piece of music in the sense that it grabs u immeadiately, as it taps in2 something primal within. At least, that's the way I see it. Even young children recognise that piece of music - it's that striking, bold - maybe even barbaric sounding. Certainly bombastic.

It has been used in many films, stage shows, concerts (OzzY used it 4 a LONG time) and even modern pop acts have built entire albums around it like EnigmA's 'The Screen Behind The Mirror' (very good it is too)

Hope this helps.

*pretencious, moi? Non Monsieur, je suis informe! Edit*
[This message was edited Mon Oct 6 13:26:53 PDT 2003 by bananacologne]

JDINTERACTIVE said:

Vashti said:

At least I know my Star Wars.

JDINTERACTIVE said:

that's cuz you is a nerd!! atleast your not a TREKKIE!!!




The force isn't with me, Edit
[This message was edited Mon Oct 6 13:28:26 PDT 2003 by Vashti]

bananacologne said:

Thanks for this translation. I took two years of Latin in high school, but am embarrassed to admit I couldn't decypher any of the song.

It's a beautiful cantata, and I like it even more now that I know what the lyrics are!

Vashti said:

Ur asking 4 a good peeing!
[This message was edited Mon Oct 6 13:33:42 PDT 2003 by JDINTERACTIVE]

JDINTERACTIVE said:

you need to put these on like a good monkey..and behave!!