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.
Dónde estás que non te veo
Jordi Savall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
¿Qué’s de ti, esperança mía?
Que a mí, que verte deseo,
mill años se me faze un día.
Mas tal es tu fermosura
en tu tierna juventut,
que con tu gentil figura
Comigo mismo guer[r]eo
si te desamar podría.
A la fin cativo creo
de quedar de tu señoría.
In the first verse, the singer expresses their longing for someone who seems to be absent or hidden. They ask where this person is because they cannot see them. The use of the word "non" (not) suggests that the singer has been searching for this person but has not been successful. They address this person as their hope, indicating a deep emotional connection or attachment. The singer desires to see this person, and the delay feels like a thousand years for them, emphasizing the intensity of their longing.
Moving on to the second verse, the singer describes the breathtaking beauty of the person they long for, particularly in their tender youth. The phrase "en tu tierna juventud" (in your tender youth) suggests that this person is young and vibrant. The singer acknowledges that this person's gentle figure affects them deeply, causing them both harm and healing. The word "fieres" implies that the person's beauty pierces and wounds the singer, while "salut" conveys the idea that being in their presence brings solace or comfort.
In the third verse, the singer reveals their inner conflict. They admit to waging a war within themselves, questioning if it would be possible for them to stop loving this person. The use of the word "guer(r)eo" (war) suggests a struggle or battle. It implies that the singer is torn between their feelings for this person and the possibility of letting go. This inner struggle highlights the depth of their love and the difficulty they face in trying to move on.
Finally, in the fourth verse, the singer comes to a realization. They confess to being a captive, believing that they are completely under the spell or influence of the person they long for. The phrase "de quedar de tu señoría" (to remain your subject) suggests that the singer sees themselves as being at the mercy or under the power of this person. This admission reflects their surrender and acceptance of their love for this individual, despite any challenges or pain it may bring them.
Overall, these lyrics convey a profound sense of longing, admiration, and inner turmoil experienced by the singer towards someone they deeply desire but cannot seem to find or have. The emotions expressed in the song showcase the singer's vulnerability and their inability to resist the captivating nature of this person's beauty.
Line by Line Meaning
¿Donde estás que non te veo?
Where are you, since I cannot see you?
¿Qué’s de ti, esperança mía?
What is happening to you, my hope?
Que a mí, que verte deseo,
To me, who desires to see you,
mill años se me faze un día.
a thousand years feel like a day.
Mas tal es tu fermosura
But so great is your beauty
en tu tierna juventut,
in your tender youth,
que con tu gentil figura
that with your gentle figure
me fieres y das salut.
you hurt and give me health.
Comigo mismo guer[r]eo
I fight with myself
si te desamar podría.
if I could stop loving you.
A la fin cativo creo
In the end, I believe I am a captive
de quedar de tu señoría.
of remaining under your dominion.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Juan Urrede
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind