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 prior: Chœur des soldats assyriens "Arma cædes vindictæ furores"
Jordi Savall Lyrics
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Arma, caedes, vindictae, furores,
Angustiae, timore precedite nos.
Rotate, pugnate, o bellicae sortes,
Mille plagas, mille mortes adducite vos.
The lyrics to Jordi Savall's song "Juditha Triumphans RV 644 pars prior: Chœur des soldats assyriens 'Arma cædes vindictæ furores'" convey the intensity and chaos of battle. The Chorus, representing the warring soldiers on the battlefield, sings of the various elements and emotions associated with war.
In the first paragraph, the Chorus declares "Arma, caedes, vindictae, furores" which translates to "Weapons, slaughter, vengeance, and fury." These words embody the brutal and destructive nature of war. The soldiers are acknowledging and embracing the core elements that drive them to fight, highlighting the violence and aggression present in warfare.
The second paragraph introduces a sense of fear and anticipation. The Chorus sings, "Angustiae, timore precedite nos," meaning "Anxiety, fear, come before us." The soldiers acknowledge the anxieties and fears that accompany them into battle. This line emphasizes the psychological toll that war can take on individuals and the weight of the unknown outcomes that lie ahead.
The third paragraph portrays the soldiers actively engaging in battle. The words "Rotate, pugnate, o bellicae sortes" translate to "Rotate, fight, oh fortunes of war." Here, the soldiers are embracing their fate and accepting the unpredictable nature of war. The use of the word "rotate" suggests a relentless and continuous cycle of fighting, underscoring the chaos and ongoing violence on the battlefield.
The final paragraph expresses the ultimate consequence of war. The Chorus sings, "Mille plagas, mille mortes adducite vos," which means "Bring a thousand wounds, bring a thousand deaths upon you." In this powerful line, the soldiers acknowledge that death and suffering are inevitable outcomes of war. They seem to be challenging their opponents, expressing a willingness to endure countless wounds and deaths in the pursuit of victory.
Overall, these lyrics vividly capture the intensity, fear, and relentless nature of battle. They reflect the harsh realities and emotional turmoil experienced by soldiers during war, emphasizing the destructive power and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of glory or victory.
Line by Line Meaning
Arma, caedes, vindictae, furores,
Weapons, slaughter, revenge, madness,
Angustiae, timore precedite nos.
Distress, fear, go before us.
Rotate, pugnate, o bellicae sortes,
Rotate, fight, oh goddesses of war,
Mille plagas, mille mortes adducite vos.
Bring a thousand wounds, a thousand deaths upon you.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Antonio Vivaldi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind