bbc series timewatch

[luckyboy]

what is the classical piece of music used in the last series of the bbc history series timewatch.

[Hippy]

From Carmina Burana by Carl Orff (1899-1982). The section used is part of "Amor volat undique" or Courtly Love, called "In Trutina", In Balance.

Carmina Burana is based on some 13th century Latin texts created by Bavarian Monks. Free love, banqueting and contrasting respect and godliness intertwine a striking text that is sometimes sublime and at others coarse and rude. Carl Orff, from Munich in Bavaria, came across the texts and put them to music in 1936, and it became his best known work, eclipsing everything else he ever wrote.

The Latin text of "In trutina" and a rough translation follow:

In trutina mentis dubia
fluctuant contraria
lascivus amor et pudicitia.
Sed eligo quod video,
collum iugo prebeo;
ad lugum tamen suave transeo.

Within my uncertainly balanced mind
opposite forces move like waves;
wanton lustful love and modesty.
But I choose that which I see,
I offer my neck in the harness;
it is to a sweet and agreeable yolk that I submit.

[Hippy]

Oops, the word "yolk" in the last line should, of course, have been "yoke". Not an egg part, but a large shoulder ring, part of a drawing harness for a horse.