Ohio’s Mansfield Symphony Orchestra Takes on Carmina Burana

“When it comes to classical music the percussion generally takes a back seat to rows and rows of stringed and wind instruments,” states an unsigned article in Saturday’s (2/25) Richland Source (Mansfield, OH). “For this unique performance, the percussion will be getting a real workout – along with the rest of the orchestra. ‘Carmina Burana’ will be performed for one night only on March 18 at 8 p.m.” by the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra. Music Director Octavio Mas-Arocas will lead the concert, which will include local choral ensembles. “ ‘Carmina Burana’ is a 24-piece cantata that is the only work for which its composer, Carl Orff, is known for today. However, it is a standard component of the classical repertoire … ‘O Fortuna,’ which features an overwhelming martial air, has been featured many times over in everything from film scores to television commercials for generations. From the downbeat, you will immediately remember this unforgettable piece with its larger-than-life magnitude. Sung in its original Latin and middle high German, no translation is needed—the music speaks for itself. Some is pensive, others [sections] are parodies, even including a drinking song.”