Carmina Burana: Fortuna Imperatorix Mundi: O Fortuna Lyrics Meaning | Orff: Carmina Burana | Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich | Zürcher Sing-Akademie

Zürcher Sing-Akademie and Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, led by Paavo Järvi, deliver a powerful rendition of ‘O fortuna.’ Carl Orff writes the lyrics and music, bringing the dramatic energy of the medieval poem to life. The opening bars set the stage for a timeless tale of fortune’s cruel twists.

Carmina Burana: Fortuna Imperatorix Mundi: O Fortuna Lyrics Meaning | Orff: Carmina Burana | Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich | Zürcher Sing-Akademie
Released: January 17, 2025

Carmina Burana: Fortuna Imperatorix Mundi: O fortuna

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich | Zürcher Sing-Akademie • From “Orff: Carmina Burana”

Lyricist
Carl Orff
Composer
Carl Orff, Philip Traugott, Jean-Marie Geijsen, Ilona Schmiel

Orff: Carmina Burana’s Carmina Burana: Fortuna Imperatorix Mundi: O fortuna Latin Lyrics English Meaning

The poet compares fortune to the moon, always shifting between light and shadow. ‘O Fortune, you’re just like the moon, constantly changing your state,’ captures the unpredictability of life. Orff’s melody mirrors the rise and fall of fate, creating a sweeping, emotional experience.

O fortuna velut lunaO Fortune, you’re just like the moon,
Statu variabilisconstantly changing your state.
Semper crescis aut decrescisYou’re always waxing or waning,
Vita detestabilismaking this life so hateful.
Nunc obdurat et tunc curatNow you’re harsh and then you’re kind,
Ludo mentis aciemplaying games with our sharpest wits.
Egestatem potestatemBoth poverty and power
Dissolvit ut glaciemyou dissolve just like ice.
Sors immanis et inanisFate is monstrous and empty,
Rota tu volubilisyou’re a wheel that’s always turning.
Status malus vana salusEvil health and hollow success
Semper dissolubilisare always fading away.
Obumbrata et velataShadowed and veiled,
Mihi quoque niterisyou plague me as well.
Nunc per ludum dorsum nudumNow, through your games, my bare back
Fero tui scelerisbears the weight of your cruelty.
Sors salutis et virtutisMy chance for health and virtue
Mihi nunc contrariais now turned against me.
Est affectus et defectusI’m driven and drained,
Semper in angariaalways trapped in your service.
Hac in hora sine moraAt this hour, without delay,
Corde pulsum tangitepluck the strings of your hearts.
Quod per sortem sternit fortemSince fate strikes down even the strong,
Mecum omnes plangiteeveryone, mourn along with me!

Carmina Burana: Fortuna Imperatorix Mundi: O fortuna Music Video

The translation of ‘O fortuna’ lyrics describes the merciless nature of destiny. Featuring Zürcher Sing-Akademie and Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, ‘Carmina Burana’ is a haunting masterpiece of classical music.