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.
Juditha Triumphans RV 644 pars altera: Chœur des Judéens "Salve invicta Juditha formosa"
Jordi Savall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(exultantium Virginum pro Judithae triumpho)
Salve, invicta Juditha, Formosa
Patriae splendor spes nostrae salutis.
Summae norma tu vere virtutis
Eris semper in mundo gloriosa.
Debellato sic barbaro Trace
Triumphatrix sit Maris Regina.
Adria vivat, et regnet in pace.
Vivat, vivat, vivat in pace.
In this part of the song, the Judaeans chorus is celebrating the triumph of Judith, a heroic biblical figure. They begin by addressing Judith as "Salve, invicta Juditha, Formosa," which translates to "Hail, unconquered and beautiful Judith." This salutation acknowledges Judith's unwavering strength and remarkable beauty.
The chorus further praises Judith as the "Patriae splendor spes nostrae salutis," meaning the splendor of their homeland and the hope of their salvation. This line signifies that Judith's victorious actions have not only brought glory to their nation but have also provided hope and rescue for their people.
The Judaeans chorus acknowledges Judith as the embodiment of supreme virtue, describing her as the "Summae norma tu vere virtutis." This depicts Judith as the epitome and role model of virtue, exemplifying moral goodness, courage, and honor. By proclaiming her as the ultimate standard, they acknowledge her lasting impact and influence on the world.
The chorus concludes by hailing Judith as forever glorious in the world. They express their desire for her to become the "Triumphatrix sit Maris Regina," meaning the triumphant queen of the sea. This metaphorical language portrays Judith's power and authority, illustrating her ability to conquer even the harshest of enemies.
The final lines of the chorus express the wish that divine anger be appeased, and that the Adriatic Sea may live and reign in peace. By mentioning the Adriatic Sea, they imply that Judith's triumph has not only benefited their nation but has also brought about peace in the surrounding regions. This peaceful resolution further adds to Judith's greatness and underscores the significance of her victory. Overall, the chorus celebrates Judith's valor and beauty while recognizing her role as a symbol of virtue and a bringer of peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Salve, invicta Juditha, Formosa
Hail, unconquerable Judith, Beautiful
Patriae splendor spes nostrae salutis.
The splendor of our homeland, the hope of our salvation.
Summae norma tu vere virtutis
Truly the highest standard of virtue you are.
Eris semper in mundo gloriosa.
You will always be glorious in the world.
Debellato sic barbaro Trace
Thus, having conquered the barbarous Thracians
Triumphatrix sit Maris Regina.
You, the triumphant queen of the sea.
Et placate sic ira divina
And so, may divine wrath be appeased
Adria vivat, et regnet in pace.
May the Adriatic live, and reign in peace.
Vivat, vivat, vivat in pace.
Live, live, live in peace.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Antonio Vivaldi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind