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.
Markus Passion BWV 247: Chor "Bei deinem Grab und Leichenstein"
Jordi Savall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Will ich mich stets, mein Jesu, weiden,
Und über dein verdienstlich Leiden,
Von Herzen froh und dankbar sein.
Schau, diese Grabschrift sollst du haben;
Mein Leben kommt aus deinem Tod,
Hier hab ich meine Sündennot
Und Jesum selbst in mich begraben.
In the opening lines of "Bei deinem Grab und Leichenstein," the singer expresses their intention to find comfort and solace in the presence of Jesus, symbolized by his burial site and tombstone. The use of the word "weiden" suggests a sense of nourishment or sustenance that the singer derives from being near Jesus in this physical form, indicating a deep spiritual connection and longing for solace in the face of suffering. The mention of Jesus's "verdienstlich Leiden," or meritorious suffering, highlights the profound appreciation and gratitude that the singer feels towards Jesus for enduring such immense pain and sacrifice.
Continuing on, the singer vows to be joyful and thankful from the depths of their heart for Jesus's redemptive suffering. The imagery of a grave inscription is introduced, symbolizing a lasting testimony to Jesus's sacrifice and the transformative power it holds. The singer acknowledges that their life itself owes its meaning and purpose to Jesus's death, drawing a direct parallel between their own existence and the crucifixion of Jesus. This connection between life, death, sin, and redemption underscores the profound impact of Jesus's sacrifice on the singer's spiritual journey and identity.
The mention of "Sündennot" or the torment of sin emphasizes the singer's recognition of their own unworthiness and need for forgiveness, which they believe can only be achieved through the acceptance of Jesus into their being. By burying Jesus within themselves, the singer not only acknowledges the presence of Christ in their life but also takes responsibility for their sins and seeks redemption through this profound act of internal transformation. This image of internalizing Jesus's essence speaks to the deep spiritual intimacy and union that the singer seeks to cultivate with Christ, viewing his sacrifice as a personal and transformative experience that shapes their very existence and understanding of self.
In essence, these lyrics from Markus Passion BWV 247 reflect a profound meditation on the transformative power of Jesus's sacrificial death and the intimate connection that the singer feels with Christ in their journey of faith and redemption. Through the imagery of the grave and tombstone, the singer seeks solace, gratitude, and a deeper understanding of the profound impact of Jesus's suffering on their own life and spiritual journey. By internalizing Jesus's presence and sacrifice, the singer not only seeks forgiveness for their sins but also finds a sense of purpose, gratitude, and profound connection with the divine, highlighting the transformative and deeply personal nature of their relationship with Christ.
Line by Line Meaning
Bei deinem Grab und Leichenstein,
By your grave and tombstone,
Will ich mich stets, mein Jesu, weiden,
I will always find nourishment, my Jesus,
Und über dein verdienstlich Leiden,
And about your worthy suffering,
Von Herzen froh und dankbar sein.
To be truly happy and thankful from the heart.
Schau, diese Grabschrift sollst du haben;
Look, this epitaph you shall have;
Mein Leben kommt aus deinem Tod,
My life comes from your death,
Hier hab ich meine Sündennot
Here I have my anguish of sins
Und Jesum selbst in mich begraben.
And Jesus himself buried within me.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Johann Sebastian Bach
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind