Carl Orff's O Fortuna in popular culture Carl Orff's O Fortuna in popular culture In 1935–36, the 13th-century poem "O Fortuna" was set to music by the German composer Carl Orff for his twenty-five-movement cantata "Carmina Burana". The composition appears in numerous films and television commercials and has become a staple in popular culture, setting the mood for dramatic or cataclysmic situations. For instance, it is used to portray the torment of Jim Morrison's drug addiction in the film "The Doors." In 1983, Doors' keyboardist Ray Manzarek released his third solo album, "Carmina Burana", which is an interpretation of the piece in a contemporary framework. "O Fortuna"
Zachary Gordin and others. Some of his notable concert repertoire includes Bach’s Cantata #82 “Ich Habe Genug”, Monteverdi’s "Magnificant", Mahler’s "Kindertotenlieder", Mozart’s "Coronation Mass" and "Requiem", Pergolesi’s "Stabat Mater", and Handel’s "Messiah". Orff’s "Carmina Burana" has become a signature piece for Gordin, who has performed the work numerous times. Maestro Michael Morgan of the Oakland Symphony stated that Gordin is “the ideal baritone for "Carmina Burana"…this is the best singing of the high, sensual music that I have ever heard. This is as good a rendering of those solos as one is ever likely to encounter.” Gordin’s celebrated vocal technique has won