Corvus Corax was formed as an acoustic medieval band in 1989. They are considered to be the Kings of Minstrels and have been an integral part of the famous Kaltenberg Knights Tournament for years. Its host Prince Luitpold of Bavaria coined the term: Corvus Corax are the Rolling Stones of the Middle Ages. Frequently copied by many bands but never equalled, Corvus Corax substantially added to putting a completely different emphasis on the genre of medieval music due to their entirely new interpretations. From fans of old music to the gothic and metal scene, nowhere a more diverse audience is to be found.

Germany has new composers
As the musicians of Corvus Corax are markedly creative people at some point they weren’t content with the contemporary interpretation of old melodies any more. Nevertheless they sought to involve their long-time experience with this musical tradition in a new synthesis of the arts, thus the idea of Cantus Buranus was born.

Cantus Buranus is the orchestral version of texts from the Carmina Burana. Corvus Corax’s interpretation is a completely new one, intended for medieval instruments, an orchestra, a choir and solo parts. In addition to the musical indulgence the performance offers countless elements of theatre, from colourful costumes to self-built instruments, and, depending on the size of the stage and the possibilities, various show interludes, even interludes featuring horses. An overall concept of classical and modern music, rhythm and chant, a wild crossover through the times with significant influence of world music – because the modern minstrels are affected by musical impressions from all over the world as well. The one thing present-day classical music fails – creating a mixture of old and young concert-goers and enthralling them all, Corvus Corax do it with the greatest of ease, arousing admiration from all sides.

Like they did in 2005 in front of more than 5,000 visitors on Museum Island (Museumsinsel), Berlin under the patronage of Klaus Wowereit, Governing Mayor of Berlin. Or in 2005 at the Wacken Open Air, Europe’s biggest Heavy Metal Festival. Or in 2006 in the festival hall Neuschwanstein. Or in 2006 at the Wave Gotik Festival, the world’s biggest Gothic festival. Or at the Lowland, Holland’s biggest Festival with a widespread musical repertoire. Or during the celebrations for Neuruppin’s 850th anniversary…

At present enquiries for Cantus Buranus exist from all over the world, from Mexico to China … and of course Cantus Buranus will be touring Germany again in 2008: In the opening year of the Reformation Decade 2008 CANTUS BURANUS will be put on stage in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, and also for the Wacken Open Air a performance with a grand show has already been confirmed.

Voices:
Corvus Corax – they can only be compared with the opulence of a Venetian Carnival’s night. (Bernard Fabuljan, Conductor of various theatres in Stuttgart, Cologne, Munich and lately musical director of the festival hall Neuschwanstein. Concert tours trough all of Europe, Israel, Russia and the USA)

Standing ovation on the spur of the moment happens to us twice a year. This was a magic moment. We had an Italian atmosphere tonight. (Martin Schüler, director of the State Theatre Cottbus, after the public dress rehearsal)

It is addictive. (a visitor)