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 "Wach auf o Mensch vom Sündenschlaf"
Jordi Savall Lyrics
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Ermuntre dich, verlorenes Schaf,
Und bessre bald dein Leben!
Wach auf, es ist doch hohe Zeit,
Es kommt heran die Ewigkeit,
Dir deinen Lohn zu geben.
Vielleicht ist heut der letzte,
Wer weiß noch, wie man sterben mag.
The choral "Wach auf o Mensch vom Sündenschlaf" from Markus Passion BWV 247 by Jordi Savall is a powerful call to awaken from the slumber of sin and mend one's ways. The lyrics urge individuals to rouse themselves from their state of spiritual indifference and seek redemption before it is too late. The reference to a lost sheep conveys a sense of being astray and in need of guidance.
The opening lines, "Wach auf, o Mensch, vom Sündenschlaf, Ermuntre dich, verlorenes Schaf," implore the listener to awaken from the sleep of sin and find strength like a lost sheep that has wandered off its path. This metaphor suggests that one's current condition is one of being spiritually lost and in need of guidance and salvation. By awakening from this state, individuals are encouraged to take immediate action to purify and improve their lives.
The following line, "Und bessre bald dein Leben!" reinforces the urgency of the situation. It emphasizes the need for swift change and underscores the fleeting nature of our existence. It prompts individuals to reflect upon their actions and make amends as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, implying that the eternal consequence of our actions is imminent.
The lyrics continue with the line, "Wach auf, es ist doch hohe Zeit, Es kommt heran die Ewigkeit." Here, the focus shifts to the notion of time, specifically the nearing presence of eternity. The urgency of the message intensifies, reminding individuals that they must be prepared to face the eternal consequences of their actions. This line serves as a reminder that our lives on earth are finite, and we must awaken from our spiritual slumber to face the eternal reality that awaits us.
The final lines, "Dir deinen Lohn zu geben. Vielleicht ist heut der letzte, Wer weiß noch, wie man sterben mag," highlight the uncertain nature of when our lives will come to an end. These words stress that today might be the last chance to rectify our lives and prepare for the judgment and rewards that await us. The lyrics ultimately act as a call to action, urging individuals to awaken from their spiritual negligence and embrace a life of righteousness and redemption.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Johann Sebastian Bach
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