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.
Le Départ II
Jordi Savall Lyrics
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Pour soumettre l’enfer sont d’invincibles armes,
Quittez vos antres ténébreux,
Venez vous unir à nos charmes.
Accourez, hâtez-vous,
Notre voix vous appelle ;
Accourez, signalez pour nous
Votre pouvoir et votre zèle.
The lyrics in Jordi Savall's song Le Départ II speak of a call to the powerful forces of the underworld to leave their dark caves and join in a union of charms. The singer calls upon those with "horrible mysteries" and "invincible weapons" to come together and lend their power and zeal to the cause. The urgency in the call is evident in the repetition of the phrase "Accourez, hâtez-vous" which means "come quickly, hurry."
The words also seem to allude to the idea of using dark magic or occult practices to achieve their goals, as they call upon the "mysteries" that can "submit hell." There is an element of defiance in the call, perhaps suggesting that the group behind it is struggling against some oppressive force and is willing to resort to any means necessary to achieve victory.
Overall, the lyrics of Le Départ II are cryptic and enigmatic, but the message is clear - there is a need for union and the unleashing of powerful forces to achieve their goals.
Line by Line Meaning
Vous, dont les mystères affreux,
You, who possess dreadful mysteries,
Pour soumettre l’enfer sont d’invincibles armes,
Whose invincible weapons can subdue even hell,
Quittez vos antres ténébreux,
Leave your dark dens,
Venez vous unir à nos charmes.
Join our enchantments, come to us.
Accourez, hâtez-vous,
Hurry, haste to us,
Notre voix vous appelle ;
Our voice is calling you;
Accourez, signalez pour nous
Come and show us
Votre pouvoir et votre zèle.
Your power and enthusiasm.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Marin Marais
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind