Jordi Savall i Bernadet (born 1941, in Igualada, Catalonia) is a Catalan vi… Read Full Bio ↴Jordi Savall i Bernadet (born 1941, in Igualada, Catalonia) is a Catalan viol player and composer. He is one of the major figures in the field of early music since the 1970s, largely responsible for bringing the viol (viola da gamba) back to life on the stage. His repertory ranges from Medieval to Renaissance and Baroque music.

Savall's musical training started in the school choir of his native town (1947-55). He later completed his training at the Barcelona Conservatory of Music (1959-65). Afterward, he began his specialisation in early music at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Basel, Switzerland (1968-70).

In 1974 he formed the ensemble Hespèrion XX (since 2000 as Hespèrion XXI), together with the soprano Montserrat Figueras (his wife), Lorenzo Alpert and Hopkinson Smith. Hespèrion XX favored a style of interpretation characterised by great musical vitality and at the same time, maximum historical accuracy.

In 1987 he returned to Barcelona to found La Capella Reial de Catalunya, a vocal ensemble devoted to the interpretation of music prior to the 18th century.

Finally, in 1989 Savall created Le Concert des Nations, an orchestra that is generally dedicated to the baroque repertoire, but which sometimes also serves as an outlet for music that hails from the classical/romantic repertoire (e.g. Sinfonia a Gran Orquesta by Juan Crisótomo de Arriga).

Savall's discography includes more than 140 recordings. Since 1998 he has released his records with his own label, Alia Vox.

Jordi Savall is also a two-time Grammy nominee, who scored the 1991 Alain Corneau film, Tous les matins du monde (also awarded the César of the French film industry in 1992). The soundtrack, re-released on his own Alia Vox label, has sold more than a million copies worldwide.

Ay Luna Que Reluzes
Jordi Savall Lyrics

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Ay, luna que reluzes
Toda la noche m'alumbres
Toda la noche m'alumbres
Toda la noche m'alumbres

Ay, luna tan bella
Ay, luna tan bella
Alumbresme a la sierra

Alumbresme a la sierra

Por dova ya y venga
Toda la noche m'alumbres
Toda la noche m'alumbres
Toda la noche m'alumbres

Ay, luna tan bella
Ay, luna tan bella
Alumbresme a la sierra
Alumbresme a la sierra

Ay, luna que reluzes
Toda la noche m'alumbres

Toda la noche m'alumbres
Toda la noche m'alumbres

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Jordi Savall's Ay Luna Que Reluzes speak of the beauty and luminosity of the moon. The repeated refrain of "Ay, luna que reluzes/Toda la noche m'alumbres" reflects a sense of wonder and awe towards the moon's continuous glowing radiance throughout the night. The singer implores the moon to shine upon the mountains, as they journey through the winding paths and curves of the surrounding terrain. The moon is personified as a female figure, with the repetitive plea of "Ay, luna tan bella" further emphasizing the singer's admiration and reverence towards it.

The song captures the essence of a romanticized and mystical view of nature that is common in traditional Spanish folklore and poetry. The moon is often associated with love and passion in these works, and its illumination of the night is seen as a guiding light for travelers and lovers alike. The use of repetition in both the lyrics and the melody creates a sense of enchantment and hypnotism, evoking a dream-like atmosphere that transports the listener to a different time and place.

Ay Luna Que ReluzesJordi Savall Lyrics

Ay Luna Que Reluzes
Jordi Savall Lyrics