In Taberna Quando Sumus

Carl Orff's 'In Taberna Quando Sumus' is a vivid and raucous depiction of life in a medieval tavern. The song, part of Orff's larger work 'Carmina Burana,' is based on a collection of 13th-century Latin poems. The lyrics paint a picture of a place where societal norms are cast aside, and people from all walks of life come together to indulge in drinking and gambling. The tavern becomes a microcosm of society, where the usual hierarchies and distinctions dissolve in the face of shared hedonism.

The song opens with a declaration that in the tavern, no one cares about the outside world or the consequences of their actions. The focus is on the immediate pleasures of gambling and drinking. The lyrics describe various activities and the types of people who frequent the tavern, from those who gamble and drink to those who live recklessly. The tavern is a place where people can escape their daily lives and societal expectations, even if only temporarily.

Orff's composition uses repetitive and rhythmic structures to mirror the relentless and almost ritualistic nature of the drinking and gambling described in the lyrics. The song lists different groups of people who drink, emphasizing the universality of this behavior. Everyone from the clergy to the commoner, the young to the old, partakes in the revelry. This inclusivity highlights the tavern as a place of equality, where social status is irrelevant, and everyone is united in their pursuit of pleasure.

The final verses take a darker turn, hinting at the consequences of such unrestrained behavior. Despite the joy and camaraderie, the song acknowledges that excessive indulgence can lead to ruin. The closing lines serve as a cautionary note, suggesting that those who criticize the revelers will themselves face judgment. This duality of celebration and caution makes 'In Taberna Quando Sumus' a complex and multifaceted piece, reflecting both the allure and the dangers of hedonism.