Carmina Burana is a cantata composed by Carl Orff in 1936, based on a collection of medieval poems. The work is famous for its powerful and rhythmic music, which captures themes of fate, fortune, and the pleasures of life. It is structured in 25 movements, with the most well-known piece being "O Fortuna," which opens and closes the work. The lyrics of Carmina Burana are primarily in Latin, but also include Middle High German and Old French. The poems celebrate various aspects of life, including love, drinking, and the changing seasons, reflecting the joys and struggles of human existence. The piece is often performed by choirs and orchestras, making it a popular choice in concert halls and films.