Expressly conceived as a “companion piece” to Carl Orff’s enduringly popular Carmina Burana, Enjott Schneider’s “Orbe Rotundo” received “exceptionally enthusiastic applause for a contemporary work” (Neue Musikzeitung) at its premiere. The composer describes the work (“a collection of pictures on Latin and medieval texts”) as a continuation and expansion of themes dealt with in Carmina Burana. Schneider also utilizes the exact vocal and instrumental forces of Orff’s composition, all of which were in top form for this live recording of the premiere performance. The Munich Motet Choir is the musical protagonist of the piece. Under the direction of Hayko Siemens, to whom the work is dedicated, the choir is by turns explosively dynamic, rhythmically supple, and expressively tender, while always maintaining an impressive and beautiful sonority.
The work was clearly a labor of love for Schneider, an experienced composer of thrilling film music. How could it not be, since the sometimes earthy and extreme texts deal with the full range of human behavior? One critic even speculated about a cinematic realization of the music. Whatever the format, the work seems destined to achieve the success it so richly deserves, providing those who love Carmina Burana with a worthy successor and sequel: “Orbe Rotundo.”
