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.
Credo in unum Deum
Jordi Savall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Patrem omnipotentem,
factorem coeli et terræ,
visibilium omnium et invisibilium.
Credo in unum Dominum Jesum Christum,
Filium Dei unigenitum
et ex Patre natum
ante omnia sæcula.
Deum verum de Deo vero,
genitum, non factum,
consubstantialem Patri,
per quem omnia facta sunt.
Qui propter nos homines
et propter nostram salutem
descendit de coelis."
39
The first paragraph of these lyrics, "Credo in unum Deum", translates to "I believe in one God." This is a powerful statement of faith, declaring belief in a higher power. It sets the tone for the rest of the song, which will further explore this belief in God.
The second paragraph, "Patrem omnipotentem, factorem coeli et terræ, visibilium omnium et invisibilium" translates to "the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible." This line acknowledges God's power and role as the creator of all things in the universe, both seen and unseen. It highlights the vastness and grandeur of God's dominion.
The third paragraph, "Credo in unum Dominum Jesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum et ex Patre natum ante omnia sæcula" translates to "I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, born of the Father before all ages." This line introduces Jesus Christ as the central figure of the Christian faith. It emphasizes his divine nature as the Son of God and his existence before the beginning of time, reinforcing the belief in the trinity.
The final paragraph, "Deum de Deo, lumen de lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero, genitum, non factum, consubstantialem Patri, per quem omnia facta sunt. Qui propter nos homines et propter nostram salutem descendit de coelis" translates to "God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father, through whom all things were made. For us men and for our salvation, he came down from heaven." This paragraph delves deeper into the nature of Christ, describing him as the light that emanates from God and affirming his divine essence. It also acknowledges his role in the creation of everything. Furthermore, it acknowledges that Jesus descended from heaven for the sake of humanity's salvation, underscoring his sacrifice and the love of God for humanity.
Line by Line Meaning
Credo in unum Deum.
I believe in one God.
Patrem omnipotentem,
The Almighty Father,
factorem coeli et terræ,
The creator of heaven and earth,
visibilium omnium et invisibilium.
Of all things visible and invisible.
Credo in unum Dominum Jesum Christum,
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
Filium Dei unigenitum
The only-begotten Son of God
et ex Patre natum
Born of the Father
ante omnia sæcula.
Before all ages.
Deum de Deo, lumen de lumine,
God from God, light from light,
Deum verum de Deo vero,
True God from true God,
genitum, non factum,
Begotten, not made,
consubstantialem Patri,
Of one Being with the Father,
per quem omnia facta sunt.
Through whom all things were made.
Qui propter nos homines
Who for us men
et propter nostram salutem
And for our salvation
descendit de coelis."
Came down from heaven.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ludwig van Beethoven
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind