The Atlanta Ballet is currently blessing the city with David Bintley’s production of “Carmina Burana.” The production can be seen at the Cobb Energy Centre from February 3 – 11, 2017.
Carl Orff wrote the secular cantata Carmina Burana using selected poems from a collection of medieval manuscripts. The poems comprise religious, political, moral, erotic Bacchic, and satirical verses, which celebrate the Goliard lifestyle. Goliard being one of a class of wandering scholar-poets in Germany, France, and England, around the 12th and 13th centuries.
Orff chose 25 poems out of the hundreds available and set them to music. The beginning and the end of the production represent man’s destiny, while the central parts are geared towards the emphasis of love.
As if having the pleasure of enjoying the art form (ballet) wasn’t enough for the senses, the dual treat for the audience came in the form of audible greatness. The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra was accompanied by the Georgia State Chorus to give listeners the full, artistic experience.
It’s easy to get whisked away by the jaw-dropping execution of the dancers. It’s even easier to find yourself a world away from home with the sounds of the orchestra. One of the most familiar and legendary pieces you’ll hear is “O Fortuna”, which has been featured in everything from commercials to cartoons.
Fortuna – Rachel Van Buskirk
Lover Girl – Nadia Mara
Roast Swan – Jackie Nash
First Seminarian – Heath Gill
Second Seminarian – Alexandre Barros
Third Seminarian – Christian Clark
To add to the excitement of the ballet, the Cobb Energy Centre is located in Marietta in the Akers Mill/Cumberland area. It rests directly on its own exit on I-75 and since it’s in the Akers Mill area of Marietta you don’t have to worry about traffic or more importantly, parking. It’s these little things that add up to making an evening run smoothly and provide for a relaxing atmosphere.
I highly suggest seeing “Carmina Burana” before it’s gone February 11. I agree with the company’s disclaimer of this being for mature audiences simply because of the sexual implications and there’s one part where a dancer undresses to his underwear (all in artistic taste) but if you have children, you can make that call. Aside from that, prepare your visual/audible senses for a treat.
-Jon J.