Carl Orff (1895-1982) was a German composer and music educator, best known for the scenic cantata Carmina Burana. Born in Munich, he developed a distinctive style rooted in rhythm, theatre and elemental musical gesture.

His stage works include Carmina Burana, Catulli Carmina, Die Kluge and Der Mond. He also developed influential educational ideas through the Orff Schulwerk.

Orff’s music often uses pounding rhythm, repeated patterns, chant-like melody and direct dramatic impact. It can sound deliberately archaic and modern at once.

The fame of Carmina Burana has overshadowed much of his catalogue, but its force is undeniable. Orff made music that stamps, declaims and looks straight into the fire.