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: Choral "Betrübtes Herz sei wohlgemut"
Jordi Savall Lyrics
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Tu nicht sogar verzagen.
Es wird noch werden alles gut,
All dein Kreuz, Not und Klagen
Wird sich in lauter Fröhlichkeit
Verwandeln in gar kurzer Zeit,
das wirst du wohl erfahren.
(„Betrübtes Herz, sei wohlgemut“, Vers 1)
These lyrics are from the choral "Betrübtes Herz sei wohlgemut" in Jordi Savall's rendition of Markus Passion BWV 247. The choral is sung in German and translates to "Sorrowful Heart, Be of Good Cheer" in English. The lyrics carry a message of comfort and encouragement to those who are feeling sorrow or distress.
The opening line, "Betrübtes Herz sei wohlgemut" translates to "Sorrowful heart, be of good cheer." Here, the lyrics are addressing someone who is feeling downhearted or troubled. The message is a call to find strength and hope despite their current circumstances. Rather than despairing or losing faith, the lyrics encourage the listener to remain positive and resilient.
The next line, "Tu nicht sogar verzagen," translates to "Do not even despair." This reaffirms the previous message of not giving up or losing hope. It acknowledges that despair is a natural response to difficult situations but encourages the listener to resist it. The lyrics suggest that even in the face of adversity, there is a reason to continue forward and find solace.
The following lines, "Es wird noch werden alles gut, All dein Kreuz, Not und Klagen" mean "Everything will still turn out well, all your cross, distress, and complaints." Here, the lyrics offer reassurance that despite the current hardships one may be experiencing, there is hope for a brighter future. It implies that the difficulties faced will eventually be resolved and transformed into something positive. The lyrics acknowledge the presence of suffering but provide a glimmer of optimism, suggesting that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
The final lines, "Wird sich in lauter Fröhlichkeit Verwandeln in gar kurzer Zeit, das wirst du wohl erfahren" translate to "Will transform into pure joy in a very short time, you will surely experience this." These lyrics convey the belief that the sorrow and suffering will be replaced by genuine happiness and joy. The transformation is portrayed as being imminent, suggesting that a turning point is right around the corner. The lyrics encourage the listener to hold on, as they will soon experience the positive changes that are yet to come.
Overall, the lyrics of "Betrübtes Herz sei wohlgemut" offer solace and encouragement to those going through difficult times. They remind the listener to remain resilient and hopeful, as eventual transformation and joy await them.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Johann Sebastian Bach
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind