A Call for A Moratorium on Carmina Burana

It would seem that every commercial producer in the last twenty years has turned to Carmina Burana when in need of music that sounds darkly satanic or at least mysterious. So who is Carmina Burana?

The answer is not so much a "who" but a "what."

In the 1930's German composer Carl Orff selected 24 poems from an early 19th century collection and set them to a musical score he called Carmina Burana. Today, it is an unfortunately over-adopted and "commercially" famous score, a tribute to a Roman goddess ironically named "Fortuna."

I'd think myself fortunate indeed if no commercial ever again resorted to the shtick of using "O Fortuna." You might not tumble to the tune just now, but you'll know it when you hear it. Just imagine a really pissed-off choir of a hundred voices damning the universe in Latin. Oh, yeah. THAT one. Still stumped? You must have flunked music appreciation 101.

Try this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF7_PhB9coo

This composition has been used and over-used in movies and television commercials. It has hawked such delights as Gatorade, sports wear, automobiles, and heaven (or hell?) knows what else. The "League of Clutch" spots featured Payton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts and hockey player Sidney Crosby in situations ("Is it in you?") where a sports defeat was certain except for the intervention of the of the noble product. Then, the devils are quickly vanquished and the Gatorade-swilling gladiators stand tall as victors once again.

Ah yes, the real American way.