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 "Ich ich und meine Sünden"
Jordi Savall Lyrics
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Die sich wie Körnlein finden
Des Sandes an dem Meer.
Die haben Dir erreget
Das Elend, das Dich schläget,
Und das betrübte Marter-Heer.
(„O Welt, sieh hier dein Leben“, Vers 4)
The lyrics of Jordi Savall's song "Markus Passion BWV 247: Choral 'Ich ich und meine Sünden'" reflect on the concept of personal sin and its effects on the individual. The opening line, "Ich, ich und meine Sünden," translates to "I, I and my sins," drawing attention to the individual's responsibility for their own wrongdoings. This personal acknowledgment of sin is likened to tiny grains of sand found on the shore of the sea, emphasizing the abundance and pervasive nature of these transgressions.
The following lines, "Die haben Dir erreget, das Elend, das Dich schläget," meaning, "They have caused you the misery that strikes you," shed light on the consequences of these sins. The reference to "you" suggests a connection to a higher power, potentially referring to God or Jesus, symbolizing the suffering caused by these actions. The phrase "das betrübte Marter-Heer" translates to "the troubled host of torment," implying the collective anguish experienced as a result of sin. This phrase further emphasizes the widespread and communal impact of personal transgressions.
By invoking the phrase "O Welt, sieh hier dein Leben" in the fourth verse, the lyrics provide a commentary on the human condition and its inherent flaws. "O Welt" translates to "Oh world," pointing toward a broader societal context in which everyone is prone to sin. The phrase "sieh hier dein Leben," meaning "see here your life," invites reflection and introspection, urging individuals to confront their own actions and take responsibility for their sins. This line serves as a reminder that sin is an intrinsic part of human existence and calls upon individuals to recognize and address their moral failings.
In summary, the lyrics of "Ich, ich und meine Sünden" delve into the personal nature of sin and its far-reaching consequences. They convey the idea that individual wrongdoings have a cumulative effect, like grains of sand by the sea. These sins are depicted as the source of suffering and torment, affecting not only the individual but also the wider community. The lyrics prompt introspection, calling upon individuals to acknowledge their own sins and recognize the inherent imperfections of the human condition.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Johann Sebastian Bach
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