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.
The Messiah HWV 56 Part I: Chorus "For Unto Us a Child Is Born"
Jordi Savall Lyrics
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and the government shall be upon His shoulder;
and His name shall be called,
Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God,
the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
The lyrics of the chorus "For Unto Us a Child Is Born" from Jordi Savall's rendition of Handel's Messiah reflect the anticipation and awe surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. This choral piece is part of Part I of Handel's oratorio, which focuses on the prophecies and preparations for the coming Messiah. The lyrics draw from Isaiah 9:6-7 in the Bible, which foretells the birth of a child who would hold great authority and be known by powerful titles.
The opening line, "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given," emphasizes the significance of this birth for humanity. It portrays the idea that this child's arrival is a gift from God, and he will bring hope and salvation to the world. The following lines, "And the government shall be upon His shoulder," depict the immense responsibility and leadership that the child will bear. This suggests that this child, Jesus, will not only be a spiritual guide but also a political figure.
The subsequent lines of the chorus present a series of titles given to the child, each highlighting a different aspect of his divine nature. "Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace" collectively emphasize Jesus' omniscience, power, eternal existence, and ability to bring harmony and tranquility.
Overall, these lyrics celebrate the miraculous arrival of Jesus Christ and the profound impact he is expected to have on humanity, both spiritually and politically.
Line by Line Meaning
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given,
A Child has been born to us, a Son has been given to us,
and the government shall be upon His shoulder;
and He shall bear the responsibility of governance;
and His name shall be called,
and He shall be known as,
Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God,
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
the Everlasting Father,
the Eternal Father,
the Prince of Peace.
the Ruler of Peace.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: George Frideric Handel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind