1) Estamp… Read Full Bio ↴There are (at least) two different groups using this name:
1) Estampie is a medieval folk band from Germany, founded in 1985 by Syrah (Sigrid Hausen), Michael Popp, and Ernst Schwindl. The band took their name from a medieval dance. Estampie use a wide range of traditional instruments, including hammered dulcimers and various woodwind and stringed instruments. They write music in a primarily medieval style, but include some modern influences from pop, minimalism, and various traditions.
2) Estampie is a British early music ensemble led by Graham Derrick, specialising in lively secular music from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, founded in 1983.
O Fortuna
Estampie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
velut luna
statu variabilis,
semper crescis
aut decrescis;
vita detestabilis
nunc obdurat
et tunc curat
egestatem,
potestatem
dissolvit ut glaciem.
Sors immanis
et inanis,
rota tu volubilis,
status malus,
vana salus
semper dissolubilis,
obumbrata
et velata
michi quoque niteris;
nunc per ludum
dorsum nudum
fero tui sceleris.
Sors salutis
et virtutis
michi nunc contraria,
est affectus
et defectus
semper in angaria.
Hac in hora
sine mora
corde pulsum tangite
quod per sortem
sternit fortem,
mecum omnes plangite!
The song O Fortuna by Estampie is a Latin poem that highlights the fleeting and unpredictable nature of fortune. The lyrics start by comparing fortune to the waxing and waning of the moon, always changing and unpredictable. It then goes on to describe life as detestable, with moments of hardship as well as power, which can be as fragile as melting ice.
The second half of the song describes fortune as a cruel and fickle mistress, with a wheel that constantly turns, bringing good or bad luck. The singer acknowledges the presence of the wheel and how it shadows them. The chorus begs for salvation and virtue, asking for deliverance from the constant struggles and hardships of life. It ends with an emotion-filled plea for all listeners to join in the collective mourning, as they all suffer under the same unpredictable fate.
This song remains a powerful and iconic piece that echoes throughout popular culture, used as background music for movies and TV shows. Many people are drawn to this song because it speaks to the frailty of human life, the inevitability of fate, and the desire for transcendence.
Line by Line Meaning
O Fortuna
Oh Fate
velut luna statu variabilis
you are like the moon, always changing
semper crescis aut decrescis;
you always increase or decrease;
vita detestabilis nunc obdurat
life is hateful, now hard
et tunc curat ludo mentis aciem,
then it sharpens the mind like a game,
egestatem, potestatem dissolvit ut glaciem.
it melts poverty and power like ice.
Sors immanis et inanis,
You are monstrous and empty fate,
rota tu volubilis, status malus, vana salus semper dissolubilis,
you are the rolling wheel of fortune, bad status, vain salvation always fragile,
obumbrata et velata michi quoque niteris;
you also strive to shroud and blind me;
nunc per ludum dorsum nudum fero tui sceleris.
Now, through the game, I bear the burden of your guilt.
Sors salutis et virtutis mihi nunc contraria, est affectus et defectus semper in angaria.
Fate of salvation and virtue now contrary to me, emotion and weakness always under duress.
Hac in hora sine mora corde pulsum tangite quod per sortem sternit fortem, mecum omnes plangite!
So in this hour, without delay, strike the chord with pounding heart what fate will strike down the strong, mourn with me all!
Contributed by Grayson K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.