Spirited `Carmina Burana’ production provides celebration of wild side of life

On a first date with a man she had met, a girlfriend of mine was escorted to an high-style production of “Carmina Burana,” Carl Orff’s scenic cantata about springtime. The chorus sang about love, adoration, frolicking, and the bountiful pleasures of having a boisterously good time in life. They told the stories of 12th and 13th century street poets who sang of beautiful women, whimsical desires, and the profanity of the taverns where “no one is in fear of death, throwing dice for Bacchus.”

It was quite a first date, but my girlfriend married that man, and they have stayed married for a long time.

After listening to the University of Maine department of music production of “Carmina Burana,” which was performed yesterday at the Maine Center for the Arts, it’s easy to see why. It is a complete and unabashed celebration of the wild side of life.

Although some might call the music unspeakably repetitious, and applaud the fact that it only takes an hour to perform, others have an unwavering affection for it. And clearly the UM singers, musicians, and conductors — numbering more than 200 in all — fall into the second grouping as they gave a truly inspired and exciting presentation yesterday. The chorus, directed by Ludlow Hallman, sang vigorously and congenially in what might well be one of the most successful of the larger musical events in the last decade of the UM music program.

The UM Orchestra, prepared by Anatole Wieck, was in top form, particularly the strings. The brisk speed of the music was often exhilarating, and Hallman, who conducted the orchestra also, was equally exhilarated. At the finale of one terrifically bawdy and exciting song, Hallman was so caught up in the moment, that he lost hold of his baton which flew into the audience.

A highly percussive work, “Carmina Burana” definitely demanded the fine skills of the UM master of rhythm, Stuart Marrs, whose varied percussion ensemble provided the heartbeats and lightening bolts of sound for the afternoon.

Hallman’s Oratorio Society and Richard Nickerson’s UM Singers had choral bite, too, as well as plenty of body and vibrancy. The Maine Steiners were especially dapper for their feature spot about mounting passions and ineffable pleasures.

Soloist and UM alumni Joseph Wiggett beautifullly brought both quiet dignity and animated wit in his role.

UM faculty soloist Dana Lazareth gave her voice over to the sensuality of the role, especially in her delectable accounts of love. Although her highest range wasn’t as rich as her lovely lower range, Lazareth added the absolute necessity of pizzazz to the event.

For many, the most amusing solo performance was given by UM faculty member David Klocko, who sang the tenor role of the Roast Swan with terrific humor, simplicity, and abandon.