Tempus es iocundum

Carmina Burana's 'Tempus es iocundum' is a vibrant celebration of youth, love, and the exuberance of life. The lyrics, written in Latin, evoke a sense of joy and vitality, urging young men and women to revel in the pleasures of the present moment. The repeated refrain 'Oh, oh, oh, totus floreo' translates to 'Oh, oh, oh, I am all in bloom,' symbolizing the blossoming of youth and the awakening of romantic feelings.

The song contrasts the promises and denials of love, reflecting the emotional highs and lows that come with youthful passion. The lines 'Mea me confortat Promissio, mea me deportat Negatio' ('My promise comforts me, my denial carries me away') highlight the dual nature of love, where hope and disappointment often coexist. This duality is further emphasized by the juxtaposition of 'vir patiens' (a patient man) and 'animo vernali lasciviens' (lusting with a springtime spirit), suggesting the tension between restraint and desire.

The imagery of springtime and blooming flowers is a powerful metaphor for the awakening of love and desire. The phrase 'novus, novus amor est, quo pereo' ('new, new love is what I perish from') captures the intensity and novelty of first love, a theme that resonates universally. The call to 'veni, domicella, cum gaudio' ('come, young lady, with joy') is an invitation to embrace the fleeting moments of happiness and passion, underscoring the carpe diem spirit that permeates the song.

'Carmina Burana,' composed by Carl Orff, is a collection of medieval poems set to music, and 'Tempus es iocundum' is one of its most exuberant pieces. The work as a whole explores themes of fortune, fate, and the cycles of life, with 'Tempus es iocundum' standing out as a jubilant ode to the pleasures of youth and love.