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.
Sarabande
Jordi Savall Lyrics
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Que vos désirs puissent toujours renaître !
Par les plaisirs votre flamme doit croître.
CHŒUR
Que vos désirs puissent toujours renaître !
Par les plaisirs votre flamme doit croître.
Ah ! Qu’aux amours l’hymen serait à craindre,
Si son secours servait à les éteindre ?
CHŒUR
Que vos désirs puissent toujours renaître !
Par les plaisirs votre flamme doit croître.
UN SUIVANT DE CEIX
Serrez les nœuds d’une chaîne si belle ;
Que l’amour heureux n’en soit que plus fidèle.
CHŒUR
Que vos désirs puissent toujours renaître !
Par les plaisirs votre flamme doit croître.
(Deux Actrices de la feste et le Chœur alternativement. Les hautbois Jouent cet air alternativement)
These lyrics are from the song "Sarabande" composed by Jordi Savall. The song is part of a larger musical work, possibly an opera or a ballet, and is performed by various characters and a chorus.
The lyrics depict a conversation between a character referred to as "un suivant de Ceix" and the chorus. The first line, "Que vos désirs puissent toujours renaître!" translates to "May your desires always be reborn!" It conveys the idea that one's desires should never fade away but instead continue to grow and flourish. The chorus echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that the flame of desire should thrive through pleasures.
The next dialogue focuses on love and marriage. The character wonders if the assistance of marriage, symbolized by "hymen," should be feared as it might extinguish the fires of love. This reflects a common theme in art and literature, questioning the compatibility of love and the constraints of societal expectations. The chorus reiterates the importance of desires and pleasure in fueling the flame of love.
The final dialogue speaks of binding oneself to a beautiful chain, suggesting a commitment or a marriage. The character believes that by tight-knotting the chain, the love that follows will be even more faithful and enduring. The chorus concludes by repeating the initial message of the song, emphasizing the perpetual reemergence of desires and the importance of pleasure in nurturing love.
Overall, these lyrics explore the dynamics between desire, love, and societal expectations. They highlight the significance of embracing one's desires and finding pleasure in order to keep the flame of love alive.
Line by Line Meaning
UN SUIVANT DE CEIX
May your desires always be reborn! Your flame must grow through pleasures.
CHŒUR
May your desires always be reborn! Your flame must grow through pleasures.
UN SUIVANT DE CEIX
Ah! Should we fear marriage in love, if its help extinguishes it?
CHŒUR
May your desires always be reborn! Your flame must grow through pleasures.
UN SUIVANT DE CEIX
Tighten the knots of such a beautiful chain; may happy love be only more faithful.
CHŒUR
May your desires always be reborn! Your flame must grow through pleasures.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Marin Marais
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind