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 soldats ivres "Plena nectare non mero"
Jordi Savall Lyrics
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Plena nectare non mero
Aurea pocula almi amores
Myrto et rosis coronate.
Et in mutuo gaudio vero
Horum numinum ardores
Dulcis flamma prosperate.
In this chorus from Jordi Savall's song "Juditha Triumphans," the lyrics convey a sense of celebration and joy. The chorus is sung by a group of intoxicated soldiers, expressing their happiness and celebrating their victories.
The first two lines, "Plena nectare non mero," can be translated as "Full of nectar, not wine." This suggests that the soldiers are not indulging in ordinary wine but rather something more special and divine. The use of the word "nectar" denotes something heavenly, suggesting that the soldiers are in a state of euphoria.
The following line, "Aurea pocula almi amores," can be understood as "Golden cups filled with gentle loves." This imagery evokes a sense of romance and affection. It implies that the soldiers are not just drinking to celebrate their victories but also to express their love and camaraderie towards each other.
The next line, "Myrto et rosis coronate," translates to "Crowned with myrtle and roses." Myrtle is a symbol of love and joy, while roses often signify beauty and happiness. By being crowned with these flowers, the soldiers are further emphasizing their festive and exuberant state.
The fourth line, "Et in mutuo gaudio vero," can be interpreted as "And in mutual true joy." This line emphasizes the strong bond and unity among the soldiers. It suggests that their celebration is not just about individual happiness but also about sharing their joy with each other.
The final two lines, "Horum numinum ardores, Dulcis flamma prosperate," can be translated as "The ardor of these divine beings, may the sweet flame prosper." Here, the soldiers refer to themselves as "divine beings" or "numina," indicating that they see their triumphs as something extraordinary and divine. They are asking for their joy to continue and for their celebratory fire (the "sweet flame") to thrive and prosper.
Overall, these lyrics convey a sense of jubilant celebration and unity among the soldiers. They express the soldiers' exaltation and their belief that their victories are a reflection of something greater than themselves.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Antonio Vivaldi
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