Jordi Savall (Igualada, 1941) experienced a landmark moment on Thursday night that has already become part of European musical history: his debut at the helm of the Berliner Philharmoniker, one of the world’s most prestigious orchestras. At 84, Savall becomes the oldest conductor to lead the orchestra since its founding in 1882, an event that both the German and Catalan press have described as “historic,” “refined,” and “extraordinary.”
© Lena Laine
In the immersive acoustics of the Philharmonie’s grand hall in Berlin, “the sounds guided by Jordi Savall’s baton rise before an audience renowned for its exacting standards,” writes La Vanguardia. The great Catalan maestro, “a visionary enthusiast of the active revival of early repertoire,” made his debut with the orchestra in three consecutive concerts, which were received with long ovations and unanimous enthusiasm. With elegant austerity and minimal gestures, Savall conducted a performance described by the newspaper as “vibrant, rich in contrasts, with moments of clear joy, dramatic melodies, and unleashed passion.”
The program, dedicated to three major 18th-century works – Naïs by Jean-Philippe Rameau, Don Juan by Christoph Willibald Gluck, and Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 ‘Jupiter’ – became an example of Savall’s unique ability to combine historical rigor, sensitivity, and charisma. La Vanguardia highlights the “apotheosis of Baroque sounds” and the blending of “radiant themes” in the Jupiter, while emphasizing the presence of instruments such as the musette de cour, harpsichord, and theorbo, symbols of Savall’s pioneering role in restoring original sonorities.
El Punt Avui described the concert as “unforgettable,” noting Rameau’s music as “transparent, warm,” and astonishingly close to the sound of an original instrument’s ensemble. The newspaper highlighted moments “of ineffable beauty” and a Jupiter interpretation that was “thrilling and joyful,” likened to the construction of “three high-level musical castles.”
In Germany, the reviews were equally enthusiastic. Der Tagesspiegel describes Savall as a “grandseigneur” who conducts Mozart with natural elegance and interprets the Jupiter “as a manifesto of the joy of living.” Berliner Morgenpost highlights the director’s “wisdom and warmth,” which makes music “speak” and Mozart to flow “with extraordinary naturalness.” This last review also emphasizes that Savall is “a conductor of subtle nuances” and that in the Jupiter he achieves “an almost ideal interpretation” together with the Berliner Philharmoniker, with a finale “rich in details and contrasts, framed by youthful energy.” Once again, an extraordinary recognition of his clear, balanced, and deeply musical style.
The Philharmonic of Berlin wanted to honour Savall with this triple invitation and has already announced new engagements: the maestro will return in January to conduct the Karajan Academy and in March will perform again with Le Concert des Nations and La Capella Reial de Catalunya. This artistic relationship consolidates as one of the most remarkable creative dialogues of the moment.
✨ “Savall’s baton captivates Berlin,” writes La Vanguardia
https://acortar.link/XxNRti
🎶 “An unforgettable concert,” says El Punt Avui
https://acortar.link/aiNJoI
🎩 “The appearance of a grandseigneur,” adds Der Tagesspiegel
https://acortar.link/p6W1Xd
🌟 “Wisdom and warmth,” highlights Berliner Morgenpost
https://acortar.link/9BjVgQ
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