Trionfi (Trittico teatrale): Carmina Burana, Catulli Carmina, and Trionfo di Afrodite
Jochum's Orff is about as good as it gets, full of the vibrant energy that suffuses the works in this triptych, but he also makes the most of the music's lyric passages. Orff, who ought to know, called Jochum's versions of his work "definitive." Though longtime favoriteCarmina Buranais an oft-recorded staple, Jochum's 1952 first version still more than holds its own even with outstanding stereo competition. This set also offers the only compilation of all three works, and if you likeCarmina Burana, you'll probably like them, too. They share their more popular sibling's power and rhythmic drive and the excitement offered by endless rounds of prominent percussion, pounding ostinatos, and catchy tunes.Catulli Carminais based on poems of Catullus.Trionfo, based on poems by Catullus, Sappho, and Euripides, is,  like Stravinsky'sLes Noces, a wedding cantata. The sound, especially in the first two works, is amazingly fresh; only the lack of stereo and traces of not very troublesome distortion hint at the recording's age. But the excellent soloists come up clear and the big moments have plenty of impact. DG doesn't supply the often bawdy texts, but does provide a scene-by-scene synopsis. It's good to have these classic performances back.--Dan Davis