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 "Man hat dich sehr hart verhöhnet"
Jordi Savall Lyrics
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Dich mit großem Schimpf belegt
Und mit Dornen gar gekrönet:
Was hat dich dazu bewegt?
Dass du möchtest mich ergötzen,
Mir die Ehrenkron aufsetzen.
Tausendmal, tausendmal sei dir,
Liebster Jesu, Dank dafür.
These lyrics are from the choral section titled "Man hat dich sehr hart verhöhnet" in Jordi Savall's rendition of Markus Passion BWV 247. The lyrics speak of the immense suffering and humiliation endured by Jesus Christ, as well as the reason behind his sacrifice and its impact on humanity.
The first two lines, "Man hat dich sehr hart verhöhnet, Dich mit großem Schimpf belegt" (You were harshly mocked and insulted), describe the intense scorn and ridicule faced by Jesus during his crucifixion. This refers to the events narrated in the Bible, where Jesus was mercilessly derided and subjected to humiliation by those who witnessed his crucifixion. It highlights the cruelty that Jesus experienced as part of his ultimate sacrifice for mankind.
The subsequent lines, "Und mit Dornen gar gekrönet: Was hat dich dazu bewegt?" (And crowned with thorns: What prompted you to do this?), allude to the crown of thorns placed on Jesus' head as a mocking symbol of his claim to be the King of the Jews. The lyrics express wonderment at the motivation behind Jesus' decision to endure such suffering and humiliation. It is a rhetorical question, attempting to contemplate the selflessness and purpose behind Jesus' actions.
The following lines, "Dass du möchtest mich ergötzen, Mir die Ehrenkron aufsetzen" (That you may please me, place the crown of honor on me), convey a sense of gratitude and awe towards Jesus. They express the singer's recognition that Jesus willingly went through all this suffering to bring joy and salvation to humanity. The lyrics acknowledge Jesus as the source of honor and as the one who bestows an eternal reward, symbolized by the "crown of honor."
The final lines, "Tausendmal, tausendmal sei dir, Liebster Jesu, Dank dafür" (A thousand times, a thousand times be thanked for this, dear Jesus), are an expression of deep gratitude and appreciation. The repetition emphasizes the intensity of the gratitude felt towards Jesus for his sacrifice and the eternal blessings bestowed upon humanity. It highlights the magnitude of the debt owed to Jesus for willingly enduring such immense suffering and humiliation. The lyrics ultimately serve as a tribute to Jesus, thanking and acknowledging him for his selflessness and the transformative power of his sacrifice.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Johann Sebastian Bach
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