Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

Spain

Birth

:

August 1, 1941 in Igualada, Catalonia, Spain

Period

:

Contemporary

 

Jordi Savall is a world-renowned Catalan musician, conductor, and composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 1, 1941, in Igualada, Catalonia, Spain, Savall grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Josep Savall, was a professional organist, and his mother, Montserrat Figueras, was a soprano singer. Savall's early exposure to music and his family's musical background played a significant role in shaping his career as a musician. Savall began his musical training at the age of six, learning to play the cello and the viola da gamba. He studied at the Barcelona Conservatory of Music and later at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Basel, Switzerland. It was during his time in Basel that Savall discovered his passion for early music and began to specialize in the performance of Baroque music. In 1974, Savall founded the ensemble Hespèrion XX, which later became Hespèrion XXI. The ensemble was dedicated to the performance of early music, particularly music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Savall's work with Hespèrion XXI helped to popularize early music and bring it to a wider audience. Throughout his career, Savall has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. He has also collaborated with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Savall's discography is extensive, with over 230 recordings to his name. He has recorded music from a wide range of periods and genres, including Baroque, Renaissance, and Medieval music. Some of his most notable recordings include "Les Voix Humaines," "La Folia," and "The Celtic Viol." In addition to his work as a performer, Savall is also a respected conductor and composer. He has conducted many of the world's leading orchestras and has composed music for film and television. His film scores include the soundtrack for the 1991 film "Tous les Matins du Monde," which won a César Award for Best Music Written for a Film. Savall has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2008, he was awarded the Léonie Sonning Music Prize, one of the most prestigious music awards in the world. He has also been awarded the National Music Prize of Catalonia and the Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts. Savall's contributions to the world of classical music have been significant. His work has helped to popularize early music and bring it to a wider audience. His performances and recordings have been praised for their technical excellence and emotional depth. Savall's dedication to his craft and his passion for music continue to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.

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