Search - Carl Orff, Pavel Urbanek, Prague Festival Orchestra :: Orff: Carmina Burana

Not the best, but it has great character, and it's cheap

Jim Prell | Illinois | 01/09/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I once bought this in lieu of the Previn recording, because I wanted something cheap. Later, I did buy the Previn version (loved it), but, to my surprise, the more I listen to this one, the more I realize it's unique character. Though it is a live recording (one can make out coughing in some of the pauses after a few of the songs), it is in some ways superior to many more widely-acclaimed and expensive copies. The effective use of percussion in the reprise of O Fortuna, for instance, distinguishes it from the opening, unlike in many recordings. Tempos are general faster, and many of the "drunken" songs are more playful and believable (with lyrics in hand). Balance is off in some places (probably because it's live), and the soprano is awful, but the wonderfully jocund ragazzi and lamenting counter-tenor make up for any losses. Don't buy this if you're looking for the world's best textbook version of the piece; instead, buy it if your tired of often dull, more expensive versions that leave you wondering what all the fuss is about."