Music of Spain

2025-10-10T13:37:48Z

98.3.99.83: /* Origins */

{{Short description|none}} 
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{More footnotes|date=April 2019}}
{{AI-generated|date=August 2025}}
[[File:Classical Guitar two views.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The modern classical [[guitar]] and its baroque predecessor were invented in Spain.]]

The [[music]]al traditions of [[Spain]] have played an important role in the development of both [[Classical music|western classical]] and [[Latin American music]]. Spanish music includes many different traditional styles from across the country, among which [[flamenco]] and [[classical guitar]] are probably the best-known abroad. For example, music from the north-west regions is heavily reliant on [[bagpipes]], the [[Jota (music)|jota]] is widespread in the centre and north of the country, and flamenco originated in the south. Spanish music played a notable part in the early developments of western classical music from the 15th through the early 17th century. The breadth of musical innovation can be seen in composers like [[Tomás Luis de Victoria]], styles like the [[zarzuela]] of [[Spanish opera]], the ballet of [[Manuel de Falla]], and the classical guitar music of [[Francisco Tárrega]]. Nowadays, in Spain as elsewhere, various styles of commercial [[popular music]] are dominant.

==Origins==
{{Unreferenced section|date=August 2025}}[[File:Albarracín_-_Museo_Diocesano_-_Instrumentos.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Musical instruments in the Diocesan Museum of [[Albarracín]]]]

Throughout its history, the [[Iberian Peninsula]] has received musical influences from around the [[Mediterranean Sea]] and across Europe. In the two centuries before the Christian era, [[Ancient Rome|Roman rule]] introduced the music and ideas of [[Ancient Greece]]; early Christians, who had their own differing versions of church music arrived during the height of the Roman Empire; the [[Visigoths]], a Romanized [[Germanic peoples|Germanic people]], who took control of the peninsula following the fall of the Roman Empire; the [[Moors]] and Jews in the Middle Ages. Hence, there have been more than two thousand years of internal and external influences and developments that have produced a large number of unique musical traditions.

==Medieval period (6th - 14th centuries)==
{{More sources|date=August 2025}}[[File:Cantiga flute.jpg|thumb|left|''Cantigas de Santa maría'', medieval Spain]]

[[Isidore of Seville]] wrote about the local music of Spain in the 6th century.{{Citation needed|date=July 2013}}

Among the early Muslim rulers of [[Al-Andalus]], music was tolerated. [[Abd al-Rahman I]], the first emir of the [[Umayyad state of Córdoba|Emirate of Córdoba]], kept several slaves who could sing or play instruments.<ref name="Ribera1929">{{Cite book |last=Ribera |first=Julián |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=su4KAQAAIAAJ&dq=history+spain+music&pg=PA97 |title=Music in Ancient Arabia and Spain |date=1929 |publisher=H. Milford, Oxford University Press}}</ref>{{rp|pages=99}} A later ruler, [[Abd ar-Rahman II]], continued this tradition, with a section of his palace dedicated to women singers.{{r|Ribera1929|pages=99}} In both cases, the singers and musicians were primarily brought over from the Arabian peninsula or the Levant. Of these early Ummayad musicians, the most notable may be [[Ziryab]], a lute player and singer who performed in the court of Abd al-Rahman II.{{r|Ribera1929|pages=99}} Some accounts claim that Ziryab's method of teaching singing became the most popular method in the region.{{r|Ribera1929|page=104}} This tolerance by early rulers trickled down to nobility, held concerts in their homes or procured musical entertainment for social events. Some elites bought slave-girls specifically for their singing abilities.{{r|Ribera1929|page=108}} Later monarchs, including [[Abd ar-Rahman III]] and [[Al-Hakam I]], were more austere, and did not keep paid musicians or singing slave-girls at court.{{r|Ribera1929|page=109}} This custom was revived by [[Almanzor]] in the 10th century.{{r|Ribera1929|page=110}} During his reign, the education of noble or wealthy girls included learning to play "the lute, the ''[[Rabel (instrument)|rabel]]'', the ''[[manucordio]]'', the organ, and so forth".{{r|Ribera1929|page=114}} Musical parties and concerts became popular following his rule.{{r|Ribera1929|page=110}} One court orchestra in the reign of [[Muhammad II of Córdoba]] was described as having "a hundred lutes and a hundred flutes".{{r|Ribera1929|page=110}} In the same period, the court of the [[Taifa of Seville]] was described as having "liberally paid" musicians, and ruler [[Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad]] was a musician himself.{{r|Ribera1929|page=111}} In general, historical accounts do not provide good records of the type or frequency of music among the general population.{{r|Ribera1929|page=114}}

Court music originally focused primarily on music forms from the Arabian Peninsula and Levant, but over time a more unique Iberian Peninsula style evolved in the Ummayad courts.{{r|Ribera1929|page=118-119}} Such unique features included the ''zejel'' and ''muwashah'' lyric patterns,{{r|Ribera1929|page=119}} which are also seen in Spanish poetry.<ref name="Trend1926">{{Cite book |last=Trend |first=John Brande |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mtVMAAAAMAAJ&dq=history+spain+music&pg=PR12 |title=The Music of Spanish History to 1600 |date=1926 |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]], H. Milford |isbn=978-0-598-93402-4}}</ref>{{rp|page=29}} It is unclear whether these patterns originated in court music, or were drawn from native Spanish traditions and popular songs.{{r|Trend1926|page=30}} More 'eastern' styles were also adopted by the common people of Iberia, combinining it with more regional and popular styles.{{r|Ribera1929|page=119}}

[[File:Codex Las Huelgas.gif|thumb|right|[[Codex Las Huelgas]], a medieval Spanish music manuscript, circa 1300 AD]]

The Muslim rulers of Al-Andalus were usually relatively tolerant of Christianity and Judaism, especially during the first three centuries of their long presence in the Iberian peninsula, during which Christian and [[Jewish music]] continued to flourish. [[Music notation]] was developed in Spain as early as the 8th century (the so-called Visigothic [[neume]]s) to notate the chant and other sacred [[Christian music|music of the Christian church]], but this obscure notation has not yet been deciphered by scholars, and exists only in small fragments.{{Citation needed|date=July 2013}} The music of the early medieval Christian church in Spain is known, misleadingly, as the "[[Mozarabic Chant]]", which developed in isolation prior to the Islamic invasion and was not subject to the [[Pope|Papacy's]] enforcement of the [[Gregorian chant]] as the standard around the time of [[Charlemagne]], by which time the Muslim armies had conquered most of the Iberian peninsula. As the Christian [[reconquista]] progressed, these chants were almost entirely replaced by the Gregorian standard, once Rome had regained control of the Iberian churches.{{Citation needed|date=July 2013}}

The style of Spanish popular songs of the time is presumed to have been heavily influenced by the music of the Moors, especially in the south, but as much of the country still spoke various Latin dialects while under Moorish rule (known today as the [[Mozarabic language|Mozarabic]]) earlier musical folk styles from the pre-Islamic period continued in the countryside where most of the population lived, in the same way as the Mozarabic Chant continued to flourish in the churches. In the royal Christian courts of the reconquistors, music like the [[Cantigas de Santa Maria]], also reflected Moorish influences. Other important medieval sources include the [[Codex Calixtinus]] collection from [[Santiago de Compostela]] and the [[Codex Las Huelgas]] from [[Burgos]]. The so-called [[Llibre Vermell de Montserrat]] (red book) is an important devotional collection from the 14th century.{{Citation needed|date=July 2013}}

==Renaissance and Baroque periods==
{{Unreferenced section|date=August 2025}}[[File:Vihuelaplayer.jpg|thumb|right|Orpheus playing the [[vihuela]]. Frontispiece from the famous work ''El maestro'' by [[Luis de Milán]], 1536.]]
In the early [[Renaissance music|Renaissance]], [[Mateo Flecha]] el Viejo and the Castilian dramatist [[Juan del Encina]] ranked among the main composers in the post-[[Ars Nova]] period. Renaissance song books included the [[Cancionero de Palacio]], the [[Cancionero de Medinaceli]], the [[Cancionero de Upsala]] (kept in [[Carolina Rediviva]] library), the [[Cancionero de la Colombina]], and the later [[Cancionero de la Sablonara]]. The organist [[Antonio de Cabezón]] stands out for his keyboard compositions and mastery.

An early 16th-century [[polyphony|polyphonic]] vocal style developed in Spain was closely related to that of the [[Franco-Flemish School|Franco-Flemish]] composers. Merging of these styles occurred during the period when the [[Holy Roman Empire]] and the [[Duke of Burgundy|Burgundy]] were part of the dominions under [[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|Charles I]] (king of Spain from 1516 to 1556), since composers from the North of Europe visited Spain, and native Spaniards traveled within the empire, which extended to the [[Netherlands]], Germany and Italy. Music composed for the [[vihuela]] by [[Luis de Milán]], [[Alonso Mudarra]] and [[Luis de Narváez]] was one of the main achievements of the period. The Aragonese [[Gaspar Sanz]] authored the first learning method for guitar. Spanish composers of the Renaissance included [[Francisco Guerrero (composer)|Francisco Guerrero]], [[Cristóbal de Morales]], and [[Tomás Luis de Victoria]] (late Renaissance period), all of whom spent a significant portion of their careers in Rome. The latter was said to have reached a level of polyphonic perfection and expressive intensity equal or even superior to [[Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina|Palestrina]] and [[Orlando di Lasso|Lassus]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2013}} Most Spanish composers returned home from travels abroad late in their careers to spread their musical knowledge in their native land, or in the late 16th century to serve at the Court of [[Philip II of Spain|Philip II]].
{{clear}}

==18th to 19th centuries==
{{Unreferenced section|date=August 2025}}[[File:Escuela de Música según la práctica moderna.jpg|thumb|left|Front cover of book: ''Escuela Música según la práctica moderna'' published in 1723–1724]]
{{listen
| filename = Soler Concerto.ogg
| title = Antonio Soler's Sonata No. 84, an example of Classical era music in Spain
| description =
}}

By the end of the 17th century, the "classical" musical culture of Spain was in decline, and was to remain that way until the 19th century. Classicism in Spain, when it arrived, was inspired by Italian models, as in the works of [[Antonio Soler (composer)|Antonio Soler]]. Some outstanding Italian composers such as [[Domenico Scarlatti]] and [[Luigi Boccherini]] were appointed to the Madrid royal court. The short-lived [[Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga]] is credited as the main beginner of Romantic sinfonism in Spain. {{Citation needed|date=July 2013}}

[[File:Raquel Meller Time magazine cover April 26, 1926.jpg|thumb|right|[[Raquel Meller]], a Spanish singer and actress, featured on the cover of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine on 26 April 1926]]

Although symphonic music was never too important in Spain, chamber, solo instrumental (mainly guitar and piano) vocal and opera (both traditional opera, and the Spanish version of the singspiel) music was written by local composers. [[Zarzuela]], a native form of opera that includes spoken dialogue, is a secular musical genre which developed in the mid-17th century, flourishing most importantly in the century after 1850. [[Francisco Asenjo Barbieri]] was a key figure in the development of the romantic zarzuela; whilst later composers such as [[Ruperto Chapí]], [[Federico Chueca]] and [[Tomás Bretón]] brought the genre to its late 19th-century apogee. Leading 20th-century zarzuela composers included [[Pablo Sorozábal]] and [[Federico Moreno Torroba]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2013}} Due to the genre's popularity, many 19th-century composers wrote in the style.<ref name="Marco1993">{{Cite book |last=Marco |first=Tomás |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5OypJWh20lUC&dq=history+spain+music&pg=PA1 |title=Spanish Music in the Twentieth Century |date=1993 |publisher=Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-83102-5}}</ref>{{rp|page=4}}

[[Fernando Sor]], [[Dionisio Aguado]], [[Francisco Tárrega]] and [[Miguel Llobet]] are known as composers of guitar music. Fine literature for violin was created by [[Pablo Sarasate]] and [[Jesús de Monasterio]].

Musical creativity mainly moved into areas of popular music until the nationalist revival of the late Romantic era. Spanish composers of this period included [[Felipe Pedrell]], [[Isaac Albéniz]], [[Enrique Granados]], [[Joaquín Turina]], [[Manuel de Falla]], [[Jesús Guridi]], [[Ernesto Halffter]], [[Federico Mompou]], [[Salvador Bacarisse]], and [[Joaquín Rodrigo]].

== 20th century ==

By the early 20th century, Spanish music was largely divorced from the intellectual sphere, an ongoing trend since the 18th century, and thus the literary movements of the period largely lacked overlap with musicians.{{r|Marco1993|page=11-12}} However, the two spheres had begun to collaborate again by the beginning of the [[Spanish Civil War]].{{r|Marco1993|page=12}}

Opera in Spain struggled in the 20th century, with many theatres closing, including the [[Teatro Real]].{{r|Marco1993|page=13}} However, orchestral music gained more opportunities, with the establishment of the [[Orquesta Sinfónica de Madrid]], the [[Orquesta Filarmonica de Madrid]], and the [[Barcelona Symphony Orchestra]] in the 1900s and 1910s.{{r|Marco1993|page=15}} Choral music saw a similar boost, with the establishment of permanent choirs across the country, and chamber music secured a place in the country with a number of quartets.{{r|Marco1993|page=15}} The [[Madrid Conservatory|Madrid]] and [[Barcelona Conservatory|Barcelona]] conservatories were "lively centers of musical life".{{r|Marco1993|page=15}}

During the 1940s, Spanish music was shaped by the aftermath of the Civil War and Francisco Franco's dictatorship. Traditional genres like flamenco and classical music continued to thrive, albeit under strict censorship. Popular music forms such as zarzuela and [[pasodoble]] celebrated Spanish identity.{{or|date=August 2025}}{{cn|date=August 2025}}

=== Yé-yé ===
{{AI-generated|section|date=September 2024}}{{main article|Yé-yé}}
[[File:Spaanse_zangeres_Massiel,_winnares_Euro_Song_Festival_tijdens_opname_in_studio_K,_Bestanddeelnr_921-2649.jpg|thumb|[[Massiel]], a Spanish singer known for her contribution to the [[yé-yé]] movement and for winning the [[Eurovision Song Contest 1968|1968 Eurovision Song Contest]] with the song "La, la, la"]]
The yé-yé movement, stemming from the English pop-refrain "yeah-yeah", originated in France to describe a genre influenced by American rock and British [[beat music]] of the early 1960s, such as the [[Twist (dance)|twist]]. The movement later spread to Spain. [[Concha Velasco]] is often credited as the catalyst for the yé-yé scene with her 1965 hit "La chica ye-yé". However, even before Velasco's breakthrough, artists like [[Maribel Llaudes aka Karina|Karina]] had already begun making significant strides with their tunes as early as 1963.{{clear}}

<gallery class="center" widths="180px" heights="240px" caption="Flamenco Singers">
Juan_el_de_la_Vara_con_Juanito_Valderrama_y_Marchena.jpg|[[Juanito Valderrama]]
La_niña_de_los_peines.jpg|[[La Niña de los Peines]]
Chacon_03.jpg|[[Antonio Chacón]]
Disco_caracol_web.jpg|[[Manolo Caracol]]
</gallery>

==Performers==
{{AI-generated|section|date=September 2024}}
{{main article|List of Spanish musicians|List of bands from Spain}}

<div style="float:left; clear:left; text-align:center; border:1px solid #aaa; padding:8px; background:#f9f9f9; width:270px; margin:0 15px 15px 0;">
<div style="font-weight:bold; font-size:110%; margin-bottom:6px;">Copla Singers</div>
[[File:Estrellita_Castro.JPG|120px]]
[[File:Conchita_Piquer_1927.jpg|120px]]
<div style="font-size:85%; margin-top:4px;">[[Estrellita Castro]] and [[Concha Piquer]], pioneers of the Spanish copla genre</div>
</div>

A number of Spanish singers and performers have made significant contributions to the global musical landscape.

Spain has over forty professional orchestras, including the [[Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona]], [[Orquesta Nacional de España]], and the [[Orquesta Sinfónica de Madrid]].

[[File:Raphael_de_España.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Raphael (singer)|Raphael]], recognized for his vocal range and charismatic stage presence]]

Spain also has a number of [[Opera house|opera houses]], including the [[Teatro Real]], the [[Gran Teatre del Liceu]], [[Teatro Arriaga]], and the [[El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía]].

<gallery class="center" widths="180px" heights="240px" caption="Zarzuela and Classical-Inspired Singers">
Concepció_"Conxita"_Supervia_i_Pascual_N-4826.jpg|[[Conchita Supervía]]
Emilio_Sagi_Barba.png|Emilio Sagi Barba
Ofelia_Nieto.JPG|[[Ofelia Nieto]]
</gallery>

==Popular music in Spain==
{{AI-generated|section|date=September 2024}}
{{Essay-like|date=September 2015|section}}
[[File:Rocio_Durcal_1962.jpg|thumb|left|175px|[[Rocío Dúrcal]], one of the best-selling Spanish-speaking female artists in music history]]

In the 20th century, Spanish pop music developed during the tumultuous years of [[Francisco Franco]]'s regime.

Despite strict censorship and limited outlets for contemporary music, the [[Benidorm International Song Festival]], established in 1959, emerged as a beacon of opportunity for Spanish musicians. Inspired by Italy's [[Festival della canzone italiana|San Remo Music Festival]], Benidorm provided a crucial platform for both international and local artists to showcase new musical styles to eager audiences.

During the 1960s and early 1970s, tourism boomed, bringing yet more musical styles from the rest of the continent and abroad.

The regime's restrictions on women's rights and roles in public life placed additional barriers on female musicians and singers. However, some managed to break through these constraints, such as [[Marisol (actress)|Marisol]], who started as a child star in the 1960s, and [[Rocío Dúrcal]], who became a prominent figure in Spanish music and film.

[[File:Julio_Iglesias09.jpg|thumb|right|175px|[[Julio Iglesias]], the best-selling Latin music artist in history]]

With the end of Franco's regime in 1975, the 1980s ushered in a transformative era with ''[[La Movida Madrileña]]'', a countercultural movement centered in Madrid. This period was pivotal for Spain's pop music scene, fostering a spirit of experimentation and creativity across diverse genres such as electronica, Euro disco, rock, punk, and hip-hop. Spanish pop music began to carve out its own distinctive identity, moving beyond emulation of Anglo-American trends to embrace originality and diversity. La Movida also catalyzed the music industry's growth within Spain. Female artists such as Alaska (of [[Alaska y los Pegamoides]] and later [[Fangoria (band)|Fangoria]]) and [[Martirio]] emerged as influential figures, challenging traditional gender roles and exploring new sounds and styles.

[[File:Mónica_Naranjo_en_la_presentación_de_la_8ª_edición_de_la_Gala_Sida_2.jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[Mónica Naranjo]] rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like "Sola" and "Sobreviviré".]]

In Spain itself, the 1990s were characterized by a vibrant underground music scene that thrived in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Alternative rock bands such as [[Los Planetas]] and [[Dover (band)|Dover]] gained prominence, bringing a fresh energy to Spanish pop with their indie rock influences and experimental sounds. This period also saw the emergence of electronic music and dance clubs, further diversifying the musical landscape and fostering a new generation of DJs and producers.

=== International success ===
[[Julio Iglesias]], [[Enrique Iglesias]], and [[Alejandro Sanz]] stand as icons of Spanish pop music's international success, finding success both at home and abroad. Julio Iglesias, in particular, has achieved unprecedented success as the best-selling male Latin artist of all time.<ref>{{cite web |date=2 April 2013 |title=Julio Iglesias receives world record certificate in Beijing |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2013/4/julio-iglesias-receives-world-record-certificate-in-beijing-47865/ |access-date=24 December 2013 |publisher=Guinness World Record}}</ref> [[File:GIBRALTAR MUSIC FESTIVAL 2013 - LA OREJA DE VAN GOGH (9699918237) (5).jpg|thumb|right|[[La Oreja de Van Gogh]] have sold more than 8 million albums worldwide since their debut.]]

Enrique Iglesias and Alejandro Sanz have won major international music awards such as the [[Grammy Award]].

=== Crossover with Latin American markets ===
As Spanish is commonly spoken in Spain and most of Latin America, music from both regions have been able to crossover with each other.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Llewellyn|first1=Howell|title=The Billboard Interview: Teddy Bautista|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=26 June 1999|volume=111|issue=26|page=60|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA60|access-date=4 September 2015|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> According to the [[Sociedad General de Autores y Editores]] (SGAE), Spain is the largest Latino music market in the world.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Llewellyn|first1=Howell|title=The Spanish Market Looks To Export Artists|magazine=Billboard|date=11 November 2000|volume=112|issue=46|page=78|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RAEAAAAMBAJ&q=intitle%3Abillboard%20latin%20%20&pg=PA78|access-date=9 April 2015}}</ref> As a result, the [[Latin music (genre)|Latin music]] industry encompasses Spanish-language music from Spain.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i3a1qVqHoJAC&q=latin%20music%20spanish%20portuguese&pg=PA50|title=A Companion to Latina/o Studies|last1=Flores|first1=Juan|last2=Rosaldo|first2=Renato|page=50|year=2009|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=9780470766026}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Llewellyn|first1=Howell|title=ShowMarket To Focus On Development of Latin Music|magazine=Billboard|date=25 November 1995|volume=107|issue=47|page=72|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Pw0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA72|access-date=30 July 2015|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> The [[Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences]], the organization responsible for the [[Latin Grammy Award]]s, includes music from Spain including a category for [[Latin Grammy Award for Best Flamenco Album|Best Flamenco Album]] with voting members living in the country.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Billboard Spotlights Spain & Portugal|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=20 November 1999|volume=111|issue=47|page=91|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fwgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA91|access-date=3 September 2015|publisher=Nielsen N.V.|issn=0006-2510}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-may-18-et-gurza18-story.html|title=Latin Grammys Struggle With Loss of Momentum|last=Garza|first=Agustin|work=Los Angeles Times|date=18 May 2002|access-date=25 December 2013}}</ref>

==Music by region==
The regions of Spain have distinctive musical traditions. There is also a movement of singer-songwriters with politically active lyrics, paralleling similar developments in Latin America and [[Portugal]]. The singer and composer [[Eliseo Parra]] (b 1949) has recorded traditional folk music from the Basque country and Castile as well as his own compositions inspired from the musical styles of Spain and abroad.

===Andalusia===
{{main article|Music of Andalusia}}
[[File:FlamencoSevilla.jpg|thumb|left|165px|Flamenco dancing in [[Seville]]]]

Though [[Andalusia]] is best known for [[flamenco]] music, there is also a tradition of [[gaita rociera]] ([[tabor pipe]]) music in western Andalusia and a distinct violin and plucked-string type of band music known as [[panda de verdiales]] in [[Málaga]].

[[File:Pandaverdiales.jpg|thumb|right|''Panda de Verdiales'' in [[Málaga]]]]

[[Sevillanas]] is related to flamenco and most flamenco performers have at least one classic sevillana in their repertoire. The style originated as a medieval Castilian dance, called the [[seguidilla]], which was adopted with a flamenco style in the 19th century. Today, this lively couples' dance is popular in most parts of Spain, though the dance is often associated with the city of Seville's famous [[Easter feria]].

The region has also produced singer-songwriters like [[Javier Ruibal]] and {{ill|Carlos Cano (singer-songwriter)|es|Carlos Cano|lt=Carlos Cano}}, who revived a traditional music called ''[[copla (music)|copla]]''. Catalan [[Kiko Veneno]] and [[Joaquín Sabina]] are popular performers in a distinctly Spanish-style [[Rock and roll|rock music]], while [[Sephardic music]]ians like [[Aurora Moreno]], [[Luis Delgado (musician)|Luís Delgado]] and [[Rosa Zaragoza]] keep Andalusian [[Sephardic music]] alive.

===Aragon===
{{main article|Music of Aragon}}
[[File:Jota aragonesa.jpg|thumb|right|''Aragonese jota'' dancing.]]

[[Jota (music)|Jota]], popular across Spain, might have its historical roots in the southern part of [[Aragon]]. Jota instruments include the [[castanets]], guitar, [[bandurria]], [[tambourine]]s and sometimes the flute. The [[Guitarro (instrument)|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 the Basque country, Aragonese chiflo can be played along to a [[chicotén]] string-drum ([[psaltery]]) rhythm.

===Asturias, Cantabria and Galicia===
{{main article|Music of Galicia, Cantabria and Asturias}}

[[File:Al son de la gaita.jpg|thumb|left|150px|upright|Asturian gaiteros (bagpipe players)]]

Northwest Spain ([[Asturias]], Galicia and [[Cantabria]]) is home to a distinct musical tradition extending back into the Middle Ages. The signature instrument of the region is the [[gaita (bagpipe)|gaita]] ([[bagpipe]]). The gaita is often accompanied by a [[snare drum]], called the [[tamboril (percussion)|tamboril]], and is played in processional marches. Other instruments include the [[requinta]], a kind of [[Fife (musical instrument)|fife]], as well as [[harp]]s, [[fiddles]], [[rebec]] and ''zanfona'' ([[hurdy-gurdy]]). The music itself runs the gamut from uptempo [[muiñeira]]s to stately marches. As in the Basque Country, [[Cantabria]]n music also features intricate arch and stick dances but the [[tabor pipe]] does not play as an important role as it does in Basque music. Traditionally, Galician music included a type of chanting song known as [[alalas]]. Alalas may include instrumental interludes, and were believed to have a very long history, based on legends.

There are local festivals of which [[Ortigueira]]'s ''Festival Internacional do Mundo Celta'' is especially important. Drum and bagpipe couples range among the most beloved kinds of Galician music, that also includes popular bands like [[Milladoiro]]. ''Pandereteiras'' are traditional groups of women that play tambourines and sing - bands like [[Tanxugueiras]] are directly influenced by this tradition. The bagpipe virtuosos [[Carlos Núñez Muñoz|Carlos Núñez]] and [[Susana Seivane]] are especially popular performers.

[[Asturias]] is also home to popular musicians such as José Ángel [[Hevia]] (bagpiper) and the group [[Llan de cubel]]. Circular dances using a 6/8 tambourine rhythm are a hallmark of this area. Vocal [[asturianada]]s show melismatic ornamentations similar to those of other parts of the Iberian Peninsula. There are many festivals, such as "Folixa na Primavera" (April, in [[Mieres, Asturias|Mieres]]), "Intercelticu d'[[Avilés]]" (Interceltic festival of [[Avilés]], in July), as well as many "[[Celtic music|Celtic]] nights" in Asturias.

===Balearic Islands===
{{main article|Music of the Balearic Islands}}

In the [[Balearic Islands]], ''Xeremiers'' or ''colla de xeremiers'' are a traditional ensemble that consists of [[flabiol]] (a five-hole [[tabor pipe]]) and [[xeremia]]s (bagpipes). [[Mallorca]]'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]], [[Cerebros Exprimidos]] and [[Joan Bibiloni]] are also popular.

===Basque Country===
{{main article|Basque music}}
[[File:Basque dancers 01.jpg|thumb|right|''Ezpatadantza'' of the Basque Country]]

The most popular kind of [[Basque music]] is named after the dance [[trikitixa]], which is based on the [[accordion]] and [[tambourine]]. Popular performers are [[Joseba Tapia]] and [[Kepa Junkera]]. Highly appreciated folk instruments are the [[txistu]] (a [[tabor pipe]] similar to Occitanian [[Pipe (instrument)|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 the Romanian [[toacă]] 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 arches made from vegetation. Other popular dances are the [[fandango]], [[jota (music)|jota]] and 5/8 [[zortziko]].

Basques on both sides of the Spanish-French border have been known for their singing since the [[Middle Ages]], and a surge of Basque nationalism at the end of the 19th century led to the establishment of large Basque-language [[choirs]] that helped preserve their language and songs. Even during the persecution of the [[Francisco Franco]] era (1939–1975), when the Basque language was outlawed, traditional songs and dances were defiantly preserved in secret, and they continue to thrive despite the popularity of commercially marketed pop music.

===Canary Islands===
{{main article|Music of the Canary Islands}}

In the [[Canary Islands]], Isa, a local kind of [[Jota (music)|Jota]], is now popular, and [[Latin American music]]al ([[Music of Cuba|Cuban]]) influences are quite widespread, especially with the [[charango]] (a kind of guitar). [[Timple]], a local instrument which resembles [[ukulele]] / [[cavaquinho]], is commonly seen in plucked-string bands. A popular set on [[El Hierro]] island consists of drums and wooden [[Fife (musical instrument)|fifes]] ([[pito herreño]]). The [[tabor pipe]] is customary in some ritual dances on the island of [[Tenerife]].

===Castile, Madrid and León===
{{main article|Music of Castile, Madrid and León}}
[[File:Sanjuansoria.jpg|thumb|Children in Castilian folk costume in [[Province of Soria|Soria]], Castile]]

A large inland region, [[Castile (historical region)|Castile]], Madrid and [[León (province)|Leon]] were [[Celtiberians|Celtiberian]] country before its annexation and cultural latinization by the Roman Empire but it is extremely doubtful that anything from the musical traditions of the Celtic era have survived. Ever since, the area has been a musical melting pot; including [[Rome|Roman]], [[Visigoths|Visigothic]], Jewish, [[Al-Andalus|Moorish]], Italian, French and [[Roma music|Roma]] influences, but the longstanding influences from the surrounding regions and [[Portugal]] continue to play an important role. Areas within Castile and León generally tend to have more musical affinity with neighboring regions than with more distant parts of the region. This has given the region diverse musical traditions.

[[Jota (music)|Jota]] is popular, but is uniquely slow in Castile and León, unlike its more energetic Aragonese version. Instrumentation also varies much from the one in Aragon. Northern León, that shares a language relationship with a region in northern Portugal and the Spanish regions of Asturias and Galicia, also shares their musical influences. Here, the [[gaita (bagpipe)|gaita]] ([[bagpipe]]) and [[tabor pipe]] playing traditions are prominent. In most of Castile, there is a strong tradition of dance music for [[dulzaina]] ([[shawm]]) and [[rondalla]] groups. Popular rhythms include 5/8 [[charrada]] and circle dances, [[Jota (music)|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 (music)|tuna]], a [[serenade]] played with guitars and [[tambourine]]s, mostly by students dressed in medieval clothing. [[Madrid]] is known for its [[chotis]] music, a local variation to the 19th-century [[schottische]] dance. [[Flamenco]], although not considered native, is popular among some urbanites but is mainly confined to Madrid.

===Catalonia===
{{main article|Music of Catalonia}}
Though [[Catalonia]] is best known for [[sardana]] music played by a [[cobla]], there are other traditional styles of dance music like [[ball de bastons]] (stick-dances), [[galop]]s, [[ball de gitanes]]. Music is at the forefront in [[Cercavila|cercaviles]] and celebrations similar to [[Patum]] in [[Berga]]. [[Flabiol]] (a five-hole [[tabor pipe]]), [[gralla (instrument)|gralla]] or [[dolçaina]] (a [[shawm]]) and [[sac de gemecs]] (a local [[bagpipe]]) are traditional folk instruments that make part of some [[cobla]]s.

Catalan [[Romani people|gipsies]] and Andalusian immigrants to Catalonia created their own style of [[Flamenco Rumba|rumba]] called ''[[rumba catalana]]'' which is a popular style that's similar to flamenco, but not technically part of the flamenco canon. The rumba catalana originated in Barcelona when the rumba and other Afro-Cuban styles arrived from Cuba in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Catalan performers adapted them to the flamenco format and made it their own. Though often dismissed by aficionados as "fake" flamenco, rumba catalana remains wildly popular to this day.

The [[Habanera (music)|havaneres]] singers remain popular. Nowadays, young people cultivate [[Rock català]] popular music, as some years ago the [[Nova Cançó]] was relevant.

===Extremadura===
{{main article|Music of Extremadura}}

Having long been the poorest part of Spain, [[Extremadura]] is a largely rural region known for the Portuguese influence on its music. As in the northern regions of Spain, there is a rich repertoire for [[tabor pipe]] music. The [[zambomba]] friction-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. The [[Jota (music)|jota]] is common, here played with [[triangle (musical instrument)|triangle]]s, [[castanet]]s, guitars, [[tambourine]]s, [[accordion]]s and zambombas.

===Murcia===
{{main article|Music of Murcia}}

[[Murcia]] is a region in the south-east of Spain which, historically, experienced considerable Moorish colonisation, is similar in many respects to its neighbour, Andalusia. The guitar-accompanied [[cante jondo]] [[Flamenco]] style is especially associated with Murcia as are ''[[rondalla]]s'', plucked-string bands. Christian songs, such as the polyphonic chant of the ''Auroro'' singers, are traditionally sung [[a cappella]], sometimes accompanied by the sound of [[church bells]], and cuadrillas are festive songs primarily played during holidays, like Christmas.

===Navarre and La Rioja===
[[File:Ioaldunak 001.jpg|thumb|''Ioaldunak'' dancers from the [[Basque Country (greater region)|Basque region]] of [[Navarre]], traditionally associated with the [[carnival]] celebrations of Ituren and [[Zubieta]]]]

[[Navarre]] and [[La Rioja (autonomous community)|La Rioja]] are small northern regions with diverse cultural elements. Bordered by Aragon and the Basque Autonomous Community, they also share much of the music found in those two regions. Northern Navarre is [[Basque people|Basque]] in language, while the Southern section shares more [[Aragon]]ese features. The [[Jota (music)|jota]] genre 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 in the public celebrations of Navarre.

===Valencia===
{{main article|Music of Valencia}}

Traditional music from [[Valencia (autonomous community)|Valencia]] is characteristically Mediterranean in origin. Valencia also has its local kind of [[Jota (music)|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. Dolçaina ([[shawm]]) is widely found. Valencia also shares some traditional dances with other Iberian areas, like for instance, the ball de bastons (stick-dances).
The group [[Al Tall (band)|Al Tall]] is also well-known, experimenting with the Berber band [[Muluk El Hwa]], and revitalizing traditional Valencian music, following the [[Riproposta]] Italian musical movement.

==References==
{{reflist}}
*Fairley, Jan "A Wild, Savage Feeling". 2000. In Broughton, Simon and Ellingham, Mark with McConnachie, James and Duane, Orla (Ed.), ''World Music, Vol. 1: Africa, Europe and the Middle East'', pp 279–291. Rough Guides Ltd, Penguin Books. {{ISBN|1-85828-636-0}}
*Fairley, Jan with Manuel Domínguez. "A Tale of Celts and Islanders". 2000. In Broughton, Simon and Ellingham, Mark with McConnachie, James and Duane, Orla (Ed.), ''World Music, Vol. 1: Africa, Europe and the Middle East'', pp 292–297. Rough Guides Ltd, Penguin Books. {{ISBN|1-85828-636-0}}
*''Alan Lomax: Mirades Miradas Glances''. Photos and CD by Alan Lomax, ed. by Antoni Pizà (Barcelona: Lunwerg / Fundacio Sa Nostra, 2006) {{ISBN|84-9785-271-0}}
* ''Historia de la Música en España e Hispanoamérica''. ed. by Maricarmen Gómez, Alvaro Torrente, Máximo Leza, Consuelo Carredano, Alberto González, Victoria Eli (Madrid-México DF, 2009–2017) {{ISBN|978-84-375-0637-1}}

==External links==
* {{in lang|fr}} [http://www.ville-ge.ch/meg/musinfo_ph.php?what=pays=Espagne&debut=0&bool=AND Audio clips: Traditional music of Spain.] [[Musée d'ethnographie de Genève]]. Retrieved 25 November 2010.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041206034039/http://www.interacesso.pt/web/wencesmc/ MIDI samples of traditional music from the Iberian peninsula] and [http://www.geocities.ws/iberiamidi Extended version]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071028105432/http://www.bsmny.org/features/pianoproject08/index.php Bloomingdale School of Music Piano Project: Sonidos de Espana/Music of Spain] – extensive monthly features on the history of Spanish music.
*[http://www.vistawide.com/spanish/spanish_music.htm Spanish language music] Traditional and contemporary Spanish-language music, with genre descriptions, representative artists, CDs & audio samples.
*[http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=20846 Spanish Folk Music in Havana (Photo Album)]
*[http://www.musicadehispania.net Encyclopedia of Spanish Music (16th to 19th centuries)]

{{Portal bar|Latin music|Classical music|Spain}}
{{Music of Spain}}
{{Spain topics}}
{{Music of Europe}}
{{Hispanophone music}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Music Of Spain}}
[[Category:Music of Spain| ]]
[[Category:Spanish composers| ]]
[[Category:Spanish folk music]]

wiki143 - User contributions [en]

Music of Spain