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.
In Nomine II a 5
Jordi Savall Lyrics
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In holder Anmut stehn’n mit jungem Grüngeschmückt,
die wogigten Hügel da.
Aus ihren Adern quillt in fließendem Kristall
der kühlende Bach hervor.
URIEL
In frohen Kreisen schwebt,
sich wiegend in der Luft,
Den bunten Federglanz
erhöht im Wechselflug
das goldene Sonnenlicht.
RAPHAEL
Das helle Naß durchblitzt der Fisch
und windet sich im steten Gewühl umher.
Vom tiefsten Meeresgrund wälzet sich Leviathan
auf schäumender Well’ empor.
GABRIEL, URIEL und RAPHAEL
Wie viel sind deiner Werk’, o Gott!
Wer fasset ihre Zahl? Wer, o Gott!
Wer fasset ihre Zahl?
The lyrics describe different aspects of nature and creation, attributing them to the angels Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael as they marvel at the wonders of the world. Gabriel begins by describing the beauty of nature, with lush greenery adorning the rolling hills and a refreshing stream flowing from their veins like liquid crystal. This image conveys a sense of vitality and purity in the natural world, highlighting the abundance and life-giving qualities found in the earth.
Next, Uriel depicts a scene of joy and freedom as a flock of lively birds gracefully soar and dance in the air, their colorful feathers gleaming in the sunlight. The imagery suggests a sense of harmony and grace in the flight of the birds, their movements reflecting the playful essence of nature and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Raphael takes a deeper dive into the underwater realm, illustrating the vibrant life of the fish as they dart through the clear waters, illuminated by the sunlight filtering through the waves. The mention of Leviathan, a mythical sea creature, rising from the depths adds a sense of grandeur and mystery to the depiction of the ocean, emphasizing the vastness and diversity of God's creation.
In the concluding lines, the angels collectively acknowledge the magnitude of God's works, expressing awe and wonder at the infinite beauty and complexity of the natural world. The repetition of the question "Wie fasset ihre Zahl?" (Who can fathom their number?) emphasizes the incomprehensible richness and variety of God's creations, inviting contemplation on the limitless wonders of the universe and the divine power behind them. Overall, the lyrics celebrate the beauty, diversity, and interconnectedness of all aspects of creation, inspiring a sense of reverence and gratitude for the natural world.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Joseph Haydn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind