Carmina Burana

The name Carmina Burana refers both to

The manuscript

The original Carmina Burana is the manuscript collection, now in the Bavarian State Library in Munich, of over 1000 poems and songs written by the early 13th century. Johann Andreas Schmeller assigned it that title (meaning "Songs of Beuern") in 1847 when he compiled it at the Benedictine abbey of Benediktbeuern in Bavaria. Subsequent research has shown that the manuscript did not originate there; Seckau is regarded as a likely earlier location.

Related Topics:
Manuscript - Bavarian - State - Library - Munich - 13th century - Johann Andreas Schmeller - 1847 - Benedictine - Abbey - Benediktbeuern - Seckau

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The pieces, mostly in Latin, with a few in a dialect of Middle High German, and some snatches of Old French, sometimes mixing the languages, were written by students and clergy at around 1230. Most of the poems and songs appear to be the work of Goliards, clergy (mostly students) who lampooned and satirized the Church. The collection preserves the works of a number of poets, including Peter of Blois, Walter of Châtillon, and the anonymous one referred to as the Archpoet.

Related Topics:
Latin - Middle High German - Old French - Clergy - 1230 - Goliard - Church - Peter of Blois - Walter of Châtillon - Anonymous - Archpoet

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Some of the songs are accompanied by neumes that at least suggest the melodies, and performances of reconstructions from them have been recorded.

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The collection is divided into 6 sections:

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• Carmina ecclesiastica
• Carmina moralia et satirica
• Carmina amatoria
• Carmina potoria
• Ludi
• Supplementum