Fortune Plango Vulnera

Carl Orff's "Fortune Plango Vulnera" is a powerful and evocative piece that delves into the unpredictable nature of fortune and fate. The title itself translates to "I Bemoan the Wounds of Fortune," setting the tone for a lamentation on the fickle and often cruel twists of destiny. The lyrics, written in Latin, are part of Orff's larger work, Carmina Burana, which is a collection of medieval poems that explore themes of fortune, love, and the cycles of life.

The song begins with the speaker lamenting the wounds inflicted by Fortune, personified as a rebellious force that bestows and then retracts its gifts. The imagery of weeping eyes and the metaphor of Fortune's gifts being taken away highlight the pain and helplessness felt by the speaker. The reference to "Occasio calvata" (Opportunity bald) suggests that while opportunities may present themselves, they are often fleeting and difficult to grasp, emphasizing the transient nature of good fortune.

In the second stanza, the speaker reflects on a time when they were elevated and crowned with the flowers of prosperity. This period of happiness and success is contrasted sharply with their current state of downfall and loss of glory. The imagery of falling from a great height underscores the dramatic shift in the speaker's fortunes, illustrating the precariousness of relying on external success for happiness.

The final stanza introduces the concept of the Wheel of Fortune, a medieval symbol of the cyclical nature of fate. The wheel turns, and those who were once exalted find themselves brought low, while others rise to take their place. The cautionary note to the king sitting at the top of the wheel to beware of ruin serves as a reminder that no one is immune to the whims of fate. The mention of Hecuba, a queen who suffered great misfortune, further reinforces the theme of inevitable downfall and the universality of suffering.