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 "Pfui dich wie fein zerbrichst du den Tempel"
Jordi Savall Lyrics
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These lyrics are from the chorale "Pfui dich wie fein zerbrichst du den Tempel" in Johann Sebastian Bach's Markus Passion BWV 247. The words are in German, and they contain religious undertones that reflect the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The opening line, "Pfui dich, wie fein zerbrichst du den Tempel," can be translated as "Shame on you, how cleverly you destroy the temple." In this context, the "temple" refers to the body of Jesus, which was often symbolized as a temple in biblical scriptures. The lyrics express a sense of disappointment and disapproval towards the actions of those responsible for Jesus' crucifixion.
The subsequent line, "und bauest ihn in dreien Tagen!" translates to "and rebuild it in three days!" This statement refers to a prophecy mentioned in the Bible, specifically in John 2:19, where Jesus foretells his resurrection after three days. The lyrics highlight the irony in the disbelief and mockery directed at Jesus, as he had already spoken about his forthcoming resurrection.
The next line, "Hilf dir nun selber," translates to "Help yourself now." This phrase suggests a taunting challenge directed at Jesus, urging him to save himself from his suffering and descend from the cross. It reflects a lack of understanding or refusal to accept that Jesus willingly chose to endure crucifixion for the salvation of humanity.
Finally, the verse ends with "und steig herab vom Kreuze," translated as "and descend from the cross." This line further highlights the mockery towards Jesus, as it implies that his crucifixion is an act of weakness or failure. The lyrics imply that if Jesus truly possessed divine power, he should be able to save himself from the suffering involved in the crucifixion.
Overall, these lyrics encapsulate the skepticism, ridicule, and misunderstanding that surrounded Jesus' crucifixion. They serve as a powerful reminder of the challenges and opposition faced by Jesus during his mission on Earth, while also emphasizing the ultimate triumph of his resurrection.
Line by Line Meaning
Pfui dich, wie fein zerbrichst du den Tempel, und bauest ihn in dreien Tagen!
Shame on you, how cleverly you destroy the temple and claim to rebuild it in three days!
Hilf dir nun selber, und steig herab vom Kreuze.
Now, help yourself and come down from the cross.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Johann Sebastian Bach
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind