Carmina Burana and More by the Oratorio Society of New York
The Oratorio Society of New York opened its 2024-25 season with a dynamic concert featuring Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage. As the full house settled into the grand hall, attendees eagerly browsed superb program books filled with notes on the music, artists, and song texts in both German and Latin, with English translations.
An Evening of Timeless Music by the Oratorio Society of New York
Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium echoed with timeless music as the Oratorio Society of New York (OSNY) began its season with an unforgettable performance. Conducted by David Rosenmeyer, the concert featured pianists Amir Farid and Blair McMillen, alongside the Oratorio Society chorus, a percussion ensemble, and the Choristers of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Together, they created an ensemble supercharged with talent and power. The program also included the New York premiere of Oliver Caplan’s Cloud Anthem, Libby Larsen’s Invitation to Music, two songs by Franz Schubert, and selections from Brahms’ Liebeslieder, Op. 42.
World-Class Soloists Shine in Carmina Burana and More
The Oratorio Society welcomed soprano Eva Rae Martinez, tenor John Riesen, and baritone John Brancy as soloists. They brought inspiration, emotion, and musical mastery to the season’s opening. Notably, Martinez and Riesen made their Carnegie Hall debuts, adding a particular highlight to the evening.
Johannes Brahms: A Touching Performance of Liebeslieder, Op. 42
The ensemble delivered a stunning rendition of Brahms’ Liebeslieder selections. They captured the interplay of longing and restraint that defines Brahms’ work. Notably, “Rede, Mädchen, allzu liebes” resounded with gentle, earnest appeal, while “Am Gesteine rauscht die Flut” conveyed timeless beauty. Likewise, “Am Donaustrande” highlights Brahms’ melodic depth. Next, the choir performed “O wie sanft die Quelle” with tenderness, evoking the softness of spring, while “Nein, es ist nicht auszukommen” added playful energy. They concluded with “Schlosser auf, und mache Schlösser,” performed with vigor, capturing Brahms’ emotional intensity.
Through a polished performance, the Oratorio Society of New York allowed the audience to appreciate the elegance of Brahms’ Liebeslieder, creating a memorable tribute to his genius.
Libby Larsen: A Heartfelt Invitation to Music
Libby Larsen’s Invitation to Music is a tonal work with a dash of dissonance that hints at irony. The Oratorio Society’s performance captured the essence and subtle beauty of Larsen’s composition with skill and emotion.
Larsen composed Invitation to Music to evoke the experience of deep listening, a theme she discussed with Bob Phibbs, the original commissioner. Setting it to Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “Sonnet,” which speaks to simplicity and depth, Larsen’s work reflects music’s universal kindness. The Oratorio Society conveyed this “gentle invitation” with a polished, heartfelt interpretation that drew the audience into a reflective, healing space. Their performance honored Larsen’s vision and celebrated the kindness and beauty music offers to all its “humble partakers.”
Oliver Caplan: Cloud Anthem – A Celebration of Unity and Diversity
The Oratorio Society’s rendition of Oliver Caplan’s Cloud Anthem was powerful and moving. Rooted in the theme of unity through diversity, Cloud Anthem celebrates community, using music to symbolize America’s strength in diversity.
Inspired by Richard Blanco’s poem, Caplan designed Cloud Anthem to convey the power of unity within diversity. Just as different pieces of fabric can form a beautiful quilt, Caplan’s composition combines musical themes of harmony, resilience, and unity. The choir’s voices blended seamlessly, reinforcing that individual identities can coexist harmoniously.
The Oratorio Society’s skillful performance emphasized Cloud Anthem‘s message, showing how music can bridge differences and inspire togetherness. This performance beautifully embodied Caplan’s vision of community as an art form, leaving the audience moved and inspired.
Franz Schubert: Der Tanz, D. 826, and Lebenslust, D. 609 – Celebrating Joy and Community
Franz Schubert’s Der Tanz and Lebenslust radiate joy and human connection through music. Both pieces reflect Schubert’s ability to create buoyant melodies with a warm, communal spirit.
The performance of Der Tanz was lively and spirited, with brisk tempos and playful rhythms that conveyed Schubert’s lyrical charm. The choir’s crisp articulation highlighted the festive energy of the piece, creating a sense of celebration. In Lebenslust, the ensemble embraced warmth and optimism, conveying companionship’s joy. The Oratorio Society captured the camaraderie Schubert intended, delivering the piece with finesse, combining technical skill and emotional warmth.
Carl Orff: Carmina Burana – A Masterpiece of Power and Emotion
Under the expert direction of David Rosenmeyer, the Oratorio Society of New York delivered an electrifying performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana at Carnegie Hall. Known for its intense themes of fate, love, and revelry, Carmina Burana explores the power of choral and orchestral music.
From the thunderous opening of “O Fortuna,” the choir commanded the stage, immersing the audience in Orff’s world with striking dramatic effect. The Oratorio Society demonstrated strength and sensitivity, skillfully navigating Orff’s score’s complex dynamics and rhythms. Rosenmeyer’s leadership enabled the ensemble to express the emotions that define Carmina Burana, capturing the essence of fate and human passion.
The Three Vocal Soloists in Carmina Burana
Soprano Eva Rae Martinez, tenor John Riesen, and baritone John Brancy showcased extraordinary vocal artistry in their solos. Martinez’s crystalline voice brought purity and expressiveness to “In Trutina,” imbuing it with vulnerability and grace. Riesen infused “Olim lacus colueram” with energy and precision, demonstrating agility and dramatic power. Brancy’s rich baritone brought depth and humor to “Ego sum abbas,” capturing the audience with his magnetic stage presence.
Powerful Instrumental Accompaniment for Orff’s Vision
The skilled pianists Amir Farid and Blair McMillen and the Oratorio Society’s percussionists created a vivid soundscape that amplified Orff’s decisive score. Moreover, the acoustics of Carnegie Hall further enriched the performance, allowing each beat and vocal nuance to resonate fully.
An Unforgettable Evening with the Oratorio Society of New York
The Oratorio Society of New York, led by the talented David Rosenmeyer, along with Martinez, Riesen, Brancy, and the exceptional instrumental ensemble, delivered a performance of Carmina Burana that left a lasting impression. This powerful celebration of Orff’s masterpiece and other timeless works captivated the audience with musical excellence and emotional depth. After extended ovations, attendees departed Carnegie Hall, moved and exhilarated by a night of artistic command that will not soon be forgotten.
Don’t miss this season’s upcoming performances by the Oratorio Society of New York. For information and tickets, click HERE.
Oratorio Society of New York
Kent Tritle, Music Director
1140 Avenue of the Americas
9th Floor
New York, NY 10036–5803
212–400–7255
Readers may also enjoy Oratorio for Living Things, The Oratorio Society of New York performs Handel’s Messiah, and Bach’s Mass in B minor.