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.
La Du Vaucel
Jordi Savall Lyrics
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Règne, règne, fille du ciel, mets la discorde aux fers.
Heureux, heureux cent fois le vainqueur qui ne s’arme
Que pour te rendre à l’univers.
In Jordi Savall's song "La Du Vaucel," the lyrics express an appeal to the Muse, the rivers, and the naiads. The chorus urges the Muse, who is seen as the daughter of the heavens, to reign over the discord and bring peace. The song highlights the joy and satisfaction experienced by the victorious individual who only takes up arms to bring harmony to the world.
The opening line, "Chœur des muses, des fleuves et des nayades," sets the stage for a heavenly gathering of muses, rivers, and water nymphs. These figures symbolize artistic inspiration, the ever-flowing creativity, and the purity of nature. By invoking these entities, the lyrics suggest a desire for their intervention to bring balance and unity.
The next line, "Règne, règne, fille du ciel, mets la discorde aux fers," explicitly calls upon the Muse, asking her to establish her reign and imprison discord. It emphasizes the need for peace, perhaps suggesting the presence of conflict or division in the world that needs to be overcome. By entrusting this task to the Muse, it affirms her power and influence in shaping a harmonious existence.
The conclusion of the stanza, "Heureux, heureux cent fois le vainqueur qui ne s’arme que pour te rendre à l’univers," celebrates the victorious individual who only takes up arms to spread the Muse's influence throughout the world. This can be interpreted as an acknowledgment of the transformative power of art and creativity, implying that those who use their talents to promote unity and beauty are truly triumphant.
Overall, "La Du Vaucel" is a poetic plea for the Muse's intervention, emphasizing the importance of peace and the potential of artistic expression to bring about unity and harmony.
Line by Line Meaning
CHŒUR des muses, des fleuves et des nayades
Ensemble des divinités des arts, des cours d'eau et des nymphes
Règne, règne, fille du ciel, mets la discorde aux fers.
Assume le pouvoir, noble fille céleste, emprisonne la discorde.
Heureux, heureux cent fois le vainqueur qui ne s’arme
Fortuné, fortuné est celui qui triomphe sans utiliser la violence
Que pour te rendre à l’univers.
Uniquement dans le but de t'offrir au monde entier.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Marin Marais
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind