Carl Orff - Astutuli

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Review by Natanael M.Pd

Album Review: Astutuli by Carl Orff – A Hidden Gem from 1971 Released in 1971, Astutuli by Carl Orff is an intriguing piece of work that defies easy categorization. Labeled under the genre "Non-Music," this German album feels more like a journey through spoken word and experimental soundscapes than a traditional musical experience. Backed by labels BASF and Deutsche Harmonia Mundi, it carries the weight of Orff’s reputation as both a composer and innovator. But don’t expect catchy tunes or sing-along melodies here; instead, prepare for something far more cerebral. The album consists of two tracks: Astutuli Teil 1 and Astutuli Teil 2. Both are read by Carl Orff himself, with his distinctive voice guiding listeners through what feels like a poetic narrative wrapped in atmospheric textures. While some might find the pacing slow, there’s no denying the hypnotic quality of Orff’s delivery. His writing style—layered yet direct—keeps you hooked, even if you’re not fluent in German. One standout track is Astutuli Teil 1. It begins with a sense of gravitas, almost ceremonial, as Orff’s deep tones echo over sparse instrumentation. You can tell he isn’t just reading words; he’s conjuring images. The rhythm of his speech blends seamlessly with faint background sounds, creating a vibe that’s hard to shake off. I remember this track because it made me sit up straighter, forcing me to pay attention. It’s like being told a secret, but one you have to earn by listening closely. Then there’s Astutuli Teil 2, which takes things up a notch. This part feels more dynamic, almost conversational at times. There’s a subtle shift in tone halfway through—a moment where the music (or whatever you’d call these ambient noises) swells slightly, adding tension. It’s brief, sure, but memorable enough to make your ears perk up. If Teil 1 feels like an introduction, Teil 2 feels like a resolution—or maybe a question left hanging in midair. What strikes me most about Astutuli is how personal it feels. Sure, it’s categorized as “Non-Music,” but labeling it so seems unfair. It’s less about fitting into genres and more about exploring ideas. Orff doesn’t spoon-feed emotions; he lets them simmer beneath the surface, waiting for you to uncover them. Reflecting on this album, I can’t help but think: Was Carl Orff trying to challenge us? To push boundaries we didn’t even know existed? Whatever his intent, Astutuli remains a fascinating artifact of its time—a project that refuses to be boxed in. And honestly? That’s kinda refreshing. In today’s world of instant gratification playlists, sitting down with something this deliberate feels almost rebellious. Who knew rebellion could sound so… quiet? Rating: 8/10 Recommended for fans of avant-garde storytelling and anyone who enjoys art that makes them think twice.

Download Carl Orff - Astutuli
Artist: Carl Orff
Album: Astutuli

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: carl-orff-astutuli.zip
  • MP3 size: 15.6 mb
  • FLAC size: 104.2 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Astutuli Teil 2
Astutuli Teil 1

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Catalog Numbers

  • 1C 065-99 869
  • 20 20347-1, F 667.024

Labels

  • Deutsche Harmonia Mundi
  • BASF, Deutsche Harmonia Mundi

Listen online

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  • ouvir online
  • écouter en ligne
  • ascolta in linea
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Formats

  • Vinyl
  • LP
  • Gatefold

Credits

RoleCredit
Read ByCarl Orff
Written ByCarl Orff

Notes

in gatefold sleeve

Barcodes

  • Label Code (on Label): LC 0761
  • Matrix / Runout (stamped in runout): Side 1: 99869-A1
  • Matrix / Runout (stamped in runout): Side 2: 99869-B1
  • Rights Society: GEMA

About Carl Orff

Carl Orff (July 10, 1895  March 29, 1982) was a 20th-century German composer, most famous for Carmina Burana (1935/6). He was also successful and influential in the field of music education. Orff is best known for Carmina Burana (1935/6), a "scenic cantata". It is the first part of a trilogy that also includes Catulli Carmina and Trionfo di Afrodite. Carmina Burana reflected his interest in medieval German poetry. The trilogy as a whole is called Trionfi, or "Triumphs". The composer described it as the celebration of the triumph of the human spirit through sexual and holistic balance. The work was based on thirteenth-century poetry found in a manuscript dubbed the Codex latinus monacensis found in the Benedictine monastery of Benediktbeuern in 1803 and written by the Goliards; this collection is also known as Carmina Burana. While "modern" in some of his compositional techniques, Orff was able to capture the spirit of the medieval period in this trilogy, with infectious rhythms and simple harmonies. The medieval poems, written in Latin and an early form of German, are often racy, but without descending into smut. "Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi

Real Name

    • Carl Orff

Name Vars

  • C Orff
  • C, Orff
  • C. Orf
  • C. Orff
  • C. Orrf
  • C.Orff
  • Carl Off
  • Carl Orf
  • Carloff
  • Carol Orff
  • K. Orf
  • K. Orff
  • Karl Orf
  • Karl Orff
  • ORFF
  • Orf
  • Orff
  • Orff, Carl
  • К. Орф
  • Карл Орф
  • Карл Орфф
  • Орф
  • Орф Карл
  • ªëÕ

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? The album *Astutuli* by Carl Orff isn’t your typical music record. Released in Germany back in 1971, it’s more of a spoken word piece than a musical composition. Orff himself reads the work, which is split into two parts—*Astutuli Teil 1* and *Teil 2*. It’s like listening to a poetic story rather than traditional music. Definitely a unique gem from Deutsche Harmonia Mundi!