O Fortuna O Fortuna "O Fortuna" is a medieval Latin Goliardic poem written early in the 13th century, part of the collection known as the "Carmina Burana". It is a complaint about Fortuna, the inexorable fate that rules both gods and mortals in Roman and Greek mythology. In 1935–36, "O Fortuna" was set to music by German composer Carl Orff as a part of "", the opening and closing movement of his cantata "Carmina Burana". It was first staged by the Frankfurt Opera on 8 June 1937. It opens at a slow pace with thumping drums and choir that drops quickly into
Gospel According to the Mark of Silver Gospel According to the Mark of Silver The Gospel According to the Mark of Silver is a work from the "Carmina Burana" later used to satirise Pope Leo X (1513-1521), who was famous for his profligate spending of church money. While Leo was also criticized by ecclesiastical officials after his death, the "Gospel" was a product of the Goliard movement. At that time, the Pope said to the Romans, "When the son of man comes to the seat of our majesty, first say, `Friend, why have you come?' But if he continues knocking without giving you anything, throw him out