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For many people, Spanish music is virtually synonymous with Flamenco , an Andalusian- Gipsy genre of music. However, regional styles of folk music abound, and pop, rock and hip hop are also popular. ORIGINS Early history In Spain several very different cultural streams came together in the first centuries of the culture, which was dominant for several hundred years, and which brought with it the music and ideas of Ancient Greece ; early Christians, who had their own version of the Roman Rite; the Visigoths , a Germanic Tribe that overran the Iberian Peninsula in the Fifth Century ; Jew s of the Diaspora ; and eventually the Arab s, or the Moors as the group was sometimes known. Determining exactly which spices flavored the stew, and in what proportion, is difficult after almost two thousand years, but the result was a musical style and tradition considerably different from what developed in the rest of Europe. Isidore Of Seville wrote about music in the Sixth Century . His influences were predominantly Greek , but yet he was an original thinker, and recorded some of the first information about the early music of the Christian church. He perhaps is most famous in music history for declaring that it was not possible to notate sounds—an assertion which reveals his ignorance of the notational system of ancient Greece, so that knowledge had to have been lost by the time he was writing. Under the Moors, who were usually tolerant of other religions during the seven hundred years of their influence, both Christianity and Judaism , with their associated music and ritual, flourished. Music Notation developed in Spain as early as the Eighth Century (the so-called Visigothic Neume s) to notate the chant and other sacred music of the Christian church, but this obscure notation has not yet been deciphered by scholars, and exists only in small fragments. The music of the Christian church in Spain was known as the music of the Mozarabic Rite , and developed in isolation, not subject to the enforced codification of Gregorian Chant under the guidance of Rome around the time of Charlemagne. At the time of the ''reconquista'', this music was almost entirely extirpated: once Rome had control over the Christians of the Iberian peninsula, the regular Roman rite was imposed, and locally developed sacred music was banned, burned, or otherwise eliminated. Renaissance In the early Renaissance , instrumental music was influenced by Arabic Music , most obviously by the development of the Guitar , which had its origin in Arabic instruments. The style of Spanish popular songs of the time is presumed to be closely related to the style of Moorish music, but unfortunately this cannot be proven, since not a scrap of Moorish music remains from the entire period of their colonization of the Iberian peninsula. Music of the Cantiga s, and music from the great Medieval collection at Santiago De Compostela , is also considered likely to show influence from Islamic sources. After the ''reconquista'', in the early 16th Century , a Polyphonic vocal style developed in Spain which was closely related to the style of the Franco-Flemish composers to the north. The unification of style occurred during the period when Spain was part of the Holy Roman Empire , under Charles V (king of Spain from 1516 to 1556 ), since composers from the north both visited Spain, and native Spaniards traveled within the empire, which extended to the Netherlands , Germany and Italy . The great Spanish composers of the Renaissance included Francisco Guerrero and Cristóbal De Morales , both of whom spent a significant portion of their careers in Rome; and the great Spanish composer of the late Renaissance, who reached a level of polyphonic perfection and expressive intensity equal to Palestrina and Lassus , was Tomás Luis De Victoria , who also spent much of his life in Rome. Unlike composers from the Netherlands, however, Spanish composers almost always returned home late in their careers to spread their musical knowledge in their native land. 17th and 18th centuries A secular musical form which developed in the early 17th Century was the Zarzuela , a native form of Opera . By the 17th century the "classical" musical culture of Spain was in decline, and was to remain that way until the late 19th Century . Baroque Music in Spain, when it arrived, was a pale imitation of Italian models; musical creativity mainly moved into areas of folk and popular music until the nationalist revival of the late Romantic era. POP MUSIC ''Main article: Spanish Popular Music '' Spanish Pop began during the end of Francisco Franco 's regime. By the late 1950s , a generation of performers were coming of age having been through the end of the Spanish Civil War . At the same time American and British music, especially Rock And Roll , was having an impact on Spanish audiences. The Festival De La Canción De Benidorm was founded in 1959 in Benidorm , a seaside town attempting to boost local tourism. It was inspired by the Italian Festival Di San Remo and followed by a wave of similar Music Festival s in places like Barcelona , Majorca and the Canary Islands . The first major pop stars were all women, and they rose to fame through these music festivals. An injured Real Madrid player-turned-singer became the world-famous Julio Iglesias . The 1960s and early 70s were a time of economic and cultural flourishing in Spain (the Años De Desarrollo ). Tourism boomed, bringing yet more musical styles from the rest of the continent and abroad. Ye-Yé ''Main article: Yé-yé '' From the English pop-refrain words "yeah-yeah",''ye-yé'' was a French-coined term which Spanish language appropriated to refer to uptempo pop music. It mainly consisted of a fusion of American rock from the early 60s (such as Twist ) and British Beat Music . Concha Velasco , a singer and movie star, launched the scene with her 1965 hit "La Chica Ye-Yé", though there had been hits earlier by female singers like Karina ( 1963 ). The earliest stars were an imitation of French pop, at the time itself an imitation of American and British pop and rock. Dark passion and flamenco rhythms, however, made the sound distinctively Spanish. From this first generation of Spanish pop singers, Rosalia 's 1965 hit "Flamenco" sounded most distinctively Spanish. Performers ''Main article: List Of Spanish Musicians '' Some of Spain 's most famous Singer s are:
In addition to these, some famous groups, like Mecano , Héroes Del Silencio , El Último De La Fila , Barón Rojo , Radio Futura , Estopa , Amaral , La Oreja De Van Gogh , Gigatron and others came from Spain. Also from Spain was the famous trio of singing clowns Gaby, Fofó Y Miliki , and the humorist Chiquito De La Calzada . FLAMENCO ''Main article: Flamenco '' Flamenco is a mainly (''guitarra''). First reference dates back to 1774, from Cadalso's "Cartas Marruecas". Flamenco probably originated in Cádiz , Jérez De La Frontera and Triana , and could be a descendant of musical forms left by Moorish during the 8th - 14th Century . Influences from the Byzantine church music, Egypt , Pakistan and India could also have been important in shaping the music. The word ''flamenco'' is most commonly considered derived from the Spanish word for '' Flemish ''. Some claim that Spanish Jews in Flanders were allowed to perform their music without oppression, and Gypsies that had fought there with distinction in war on behalf of Spain were rewarded by being allowed to settle in Andalusia. Main stream scholars recognize all these early influences but consider flamenco as an earlier 19th century performance stage music as Tango or Fado . REGIONAL FOLK MUSIC Spain's autonomous regions have own distinctive folk traditions as in Basque Country , Galicia , Asturias , Castille , Balearic Islands and Catalonia . There is also a movement of Folk-based Singer-songwriter s with politically active lyrics, paralleling similar developments across Latin America and Portugal . Basque Country ''Main article: Basque Music '' The Basques have a unique Language , unrelated to any other in the world and with uncertain connections abroad. The most popular kind of Basque folk music is called after the dance Trikitixa , which is based on the Accordion and Tambourine . Popular performers are Joseba Tapia and Kepa Junkera . Very appreciated folk instruments are Txistu (similar to Occitanian Galoubet recorder), Alboka (a double Clarinet played in circular-breathing technique, similar to other Mediterranean instruments like Launeddas ) and Txalaparta (a huge Xylophone , similar to Romanian Toaca and played by two performers in a fascinating game-performance). As in many parts of the Iberian peninsula, there are ritual dances with sticks, swords and vegetal arches. There is also choral music, as well as Basque stars that sang in Spanish like Luis Mariano and Duncan Dhu . Balearic Islands ''Main article: Music Of The Balearic Islands '' ''Xeremiers'' or ''colla de xeremiers'' is a traditional ensemble that consists of Flabiol (a five-hole Tabor Pipe ) and Xeremies (bagpipes). Majorca 's Maria Del Mar Bonet was one of the most influential artists of Nova Canço , known for her political and social lyrics. Tomeu Penya , Biel Majoral and Joan Bibiloni are also popular. Canary Islands ''Main article: Music Of The Canary Islands '' The Canary Islands were formerly inhabited by a North Africa n Hamitic people called the Guanche s. Isa a local kind of Jota is now popular, and Latin American Music al ( Cuban ) influences are especially widespread, especially in the presence of the Charanga (a kind of Guitar ). Murcia ''Main article: Music Of Murcia '' Murcia is a dry region which has very strong Moorish influences, as well as Andalusia n. Flamenco and Guitar -accompanied Cante Jondo is especially associated with Murcia as well as Rondalla s (plucked-string bands). Extremadura ''Main article: Music Of Extremadura '' Having long been the poorest part of Spain, Extremadura is a largely rural region known for Portuguese influence on its music. As in Northern regions of Spain, there is a rich repertoire for Tabor Pipe music. The Zambomba drum (similar to Portuguese Sarronca or Brazilian Cuica ) is played by pulling on a rope which is inside the drum. It is found throughout Spain but is characteristic of Extremadura. The Jota is common, here played with Triangle s, Castanet s, Guitar s, Tambourine s, Accordion s and zambombas. Castile, Madrid and León ''Main article: Music Of Castile, Madrid And León '' A large inland region, Castile , Madrid and Leon had predominantly Celtiberian and Celtic cultural background before the Roman rule, showing influences from North Africa n sources. The area has been a melting pot, however, and Gitano s, Portuguese , Jew ish, Roman , Visigoth ic and Moorish sources could have left a mark on the region's music. Jota is popular, but uniquely slow in Castile and Leon. Instrumentation also varies here much from the one in Aragon. Northern León, that shares a language background to Portuguese Miranda De Douro and Asturias , also has Galician influences. There are also Gaita ( Bagpipe ) and Tabor Pipe traditions. The Maragatos people, of uncertain origin, have a unique musical style and live in Leon, around Astorga . All over Castile there is also a strong tradition of dance music for Dulzaina ( Shawm ) and Rondalla groups. Popular rhythms include 5/8 Charrada and circle dances, Jota and Habas Verdes . As in many other parts of the Iberian peninsula, ritual dances include Paloteo s (stick dances). Salamanca is known as the home of Tuna , a Serenade played with Guitar s and Tambourine s, mostly by students dressed in medieval clothing. Madrid is known for its Chotis music, a local variation to the European tradition of 19th century Schottische dance. Flamenco is also widespread. Navarre and La Rioja ''Main article: Music Of Navarre And La Rioja '' Navarre and La Rioja are small region that has diverse cultural elements. Northern Navarre is Basque in language, while the Southern section shares more Aragon ese features. The Jota , a form of music more closely associated with Aragon, is also known in both Navarre and La Rioja. Both regions have rich dance and Dulzaina ( Shawm ) traditions. Txistu ( Tabor Pipe ) and Dulzaina ensembles are very popular to public celebrations in Navarra. Aragon ''Main article: Music Of Aragon '' Aragon was inhabited by people of Iberia n descent, primarily, though Celt ic, Moorish and French influences remain. Jota , now popular across Spain, could have historical roots in the Southern part of Aragon. Jota instruments include the Castanets , Tambourine s and Flute s. Aragonese music can be characterized by a complex Percussive element, possibly a descendant of North Africa n Tuareg s and Berber s. The Guitarro , a unique kind of small Guitar also seen in Murcia, seems Aragonese in origin. Besides its music for stick-dances and Dulzaina ( Shawm ), Aragon has its own Gaita De Boto ( Bagpipes ) and Chiflo ( Tabor Pipe ). As in Basque country, Aragonese chiflo can be played along to a Chicotén string-drum ( Psalterium ) rhythm. Valencia ''Main article: Music Of Valencia '' As you were expecting, Valencia has its local kind of Jota . Moreover, Valencia has a high reputation for musical innovation, and performing Brass Band s called '' Bandes '' are common, with one appearing in almost every town. The group Al Tall is also well-known, experimenting with the Berber band Muluk El Hwa . Catalonia ''Main article: Music Of Catalonia '' Though Catalonia is best known for Sardana played by Cobla , there are other traditional styles of dance music like Ball De Bastons (stick-dances), Galop s, Ball De Gitanes . Music takes forefront personality in Cercaviles and celebrations similar to Patum in Berga . Flabiol (a five-hole Tabor Pipe ), Gralla or Dolçaina (a Shawm ) and Sac De Gemecs (a local Bagpipe ) are traditional folk instruments that make part of some Cobla s. The Habaneres singers remain popular. Nowadays, young people cultivate Rock Català popular music, as some years ago the Nova Cançó was relevant. Catalan gipsies have created their own style of Rumba called '' Rumba Catalana ''. Galicia, Cantabria and Asturias ''Main article: Music Of Galicia, Cantabria And Asturias '' Northwest Spain ( Galicia , Asturias and Cantabria ) is home to a distinct tradition of bagpipe music that some tried to connect to the 1970s commercial label of Celt ic-derived culture. All the lenguages in this area are of Latin descent but local festivals celebrating the area's so-called "Celtic" influence are common, with Ortigueira 's Festival Del Mundo Celta being especially important. Drum and Bagpipe groups are the most beloved kind of Galician folk music, and include popular bands like Milladoiro . Groups of Pandereteira s are another traditional set of singing women that play Tambourine s. Bagpipe virtuoso Carlos Núñez is an especially popular performer; he has worked with Ireland 's The Chieftains and Sinéad O'Connor , United States ' Ry Cooder and Cuba 's Vieja Trova Santiaguera . Galician folk music includes characteristical Alalas songs. Alalas are believed to be Chant -based popular songs with a long history, perhaps closely related to Gregorian Chanting . Though connected to Jota , some whimsical dilettanti also point to a Greek origin, or Phoenicia n Rowing songs. In Asturias is also home to very popular musicians as José Ángel Hevia (a virtuoso bagpiper) or celtic group Llan De Cubel (famous all around the world). Circle folk dances at a 6/8 tambourine rhythm are also a hallmark of this land. There are many festivals, such as "Folixa na Primavera (April, in Mieres ), Intercelticu d'Avilés (July, in Avilés ), and lots of "celtic nights" along Asturias. In those festivals you can hear people from Asturias, Galicia and even every "celtic country" ( Ireland , Scotland , Bretagne ...) Andalusia ''Main article: Music Of Andalusia '' Though Andalusia is best known for Flamenco music (see below for more information), folk music features a strong musical tradition for Gaita Rociera ( Tabor Pipe ) in Western Andalusia and a distinct Violin and plucked-strings band known as Panda De Verdiales in Málaga . The region has also produced Singer-songwriter s like Javier Ruibal and Carlos Cano , who revived a traditional music called Copla . Catalan Kiko Veneno and Joaquín Sabina are popular performers in a distinctly Spanish-style Rock Music , while Sephardic Music ians like Aurora Morena , Luís Delgado and Rosa Zaragoza keep alive-and-well Andalusian Sephardic music. SAMPLES
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