I remember this treasured recording from the vinyl days. It is the most scintillating and thrilling performance I have ever heard of this masterpiece. Every aspect of this performance starting with the soloists, chorus and orchestra is astounding. The sound quality is superb. I have loved this piece without understanding the lyrics simply because of the way they sound. However, the music really brings the text to life when you read it.

I saw a ballet (Pennsylvania Ballet) set to this music at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square PA in the 60s. Needle nose fountains formed the curtain. The stage wings were tall sculptured hedges. The backdrop was a perfect green lawn festooned with gigantic sycamore trees. When "O Fortuna" erupted, blood red fountains shot way above the shrubbery. Male dancers dressed like monks slowly genuflected their way to the center of the stage, and then threw off their outer garments. What followed is beyond description.

This is a truly great piece of music and a wildly beautiful recording!
I remember this treasured recording from the vinyl days. It is the most scintillating and thrilling performance I have ever heard of this masterpiece. Every aspect of this performance starting with the soloists, chorus and orchestra is astounding. The sound quality is superb. I have loved this piece without understanding the lyrics simply because of the way they sound. However, the music really brings the text to life when you read it. I saw a ballet (Pennsylvania Ballet) set to this music at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square PA in the 60s. Needle nose fountains formed the curtain. The stage wings were tall sculptured hedges. The backdrop was a perfect green lawn festooned with gigantic sycamore trees. When "O Fortuna" erupted, blood red fountains shot way above the shrubbery. Male dancers dressed like monks slowly genuflected their way to the center of the stage, and then threw off their outer garments. What followed is beyond description. This is a truly great piece of music and a wildly beautiful recording!