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.
Requiem: Pie Jesu Domine
Jordi Savall Lyrics
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Domine Iesu Christe, Rex gloriae,
Libera animas omnium fidelium defunctorum
De poenis inferni et de profundo lacu.
Libera eas de ore leonis,
Ne absorbeat eas tartarus,
Ne cadant in obscurum,
Sed signifer sanctus Michael
Repraesentet eas in lucem sanctam,
Chorus
Quam olim Abrahae promisisti
Et semini eius.
The lyrics of Jordi Savall's song "Pie Jesu Domine" are a plea to Jesus Christ, the King of glory, to free the souls of all faithful departed from the torments of hell and the depths of the abyss. The chorus asks for their liberation from the mouth of the lion and the threat of Tartarus. It implores that they not be cast into darkness and instead be brought into the holy light. The chorus then refers to the promise made to Abraham and his descendants, highlighting the hope for salvation and redemption.
These lyrics convey a deep sense of longing for deliverance and salvation, expressing a belief in the power of Jesus Christ to save souls from eternal damnation. The reference to Abraham serves as a reminder of God's covenant and the promise of eternal life for those who have faith.
Overall, this song captures the universal human desire for spiritual redemption and the trust placed in Jesus Christ as the ultimate savior.
Line by Line Meaning
Domine Iesu Christe, Rex gloriae,
Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory,
Libera animas omnium fidelium defunctorum
Free the souls of all faithful departed
De poenis inferni et de profundo lacu.
From the torments of hell and the deep abyss.
Libera eas de ore leonis,
Deliver them from the mouth of the lion,
Ne absorbeat eas tartarus,
So that Tartarus may not swallow them,
Ne cadant in obscurum,
Nor let them fall into darkness,
Sed signifer sanctus Michael
But let the holy standard-bearer Michael
Repraesentet eas in lucem sanctam,
Present them in the holy light,
Quam olim Abrahae promisisti
Which you once promised to Abraham
Et semini eius.
And to his descendants.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind