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 "Glory to God"
Jordi Savall Lyrics
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and peace on earth, good will towards men.
The chorus "Glory to God" from Jordi Savall's performance of Handel's Messiah HWV 56 is based on a biblical text found in the book of Luke, in which angels announce the birth of Jesus to a group of shepherds in the fields. These words hold significant meaning and are traditionally associated with the Christmas narrative.
The first line, "Glory to God in the highest," reflects the angels' exclamation, emphasizing the majesty and splendor of God. It acknowledges and celebrates the divine presence and greatness that deserves praise and honor. By directing the glory to God, it underscores the importance of recognizing God as the ultimate source of all blessings and the one deserving of worship.
The second part of the chorus, "and peace on earth," speaks to the hope and longing for universal harmony and tranquility. The birth of Jesus is seen as the embodiment of peace, in which the divine enters the world to bring reconciliation and serenity. It suggests that through the message and mission of Jesus, humanity can find peace not only with God but also with one another, fostering goodwill and understanding.
The phrase, "good will towards men," can also be interpreted as "goodwill among people" or "goodwill to humankind." It carries the sentiment of compassion, kindness, and benevolence towards all of humanity. It expresses the idea that, with the advent of Jesus, God's favor and mercy is extended to all people, irrespective of their status, race, or background. It promotes the notion of inclusivity and the importance of embracing and loving one another.
As a whole, this chorus captures the essence of the Christmas message, encapsulating the joyous proclamation of the birth of Jesus as a herald of divine glory, peace, and goodwill to humanity. It reminds listeners of the profound significance and transformative potential of Jesus' coming into the world, inviting us to join in the celebration and embrace the virtue of love and unity towards one another.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: George Frideric Handel
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