View source for Music of Spain

{{Short description|none}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
[[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. 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==
[[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.<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=1-5}} 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]], took control of the peninsula following the fall of the Roman Empire, and later the [[Moors]] and Jews arrived in the Middle Ages.<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=1-20}}

These more than two thousand years of internal and external influences produced a large number of unique musical traditions that continue to shape Spanish music today.{{r|Trend1926|page=1-5}}

==Medieval period (6th–14th centuries)==
[[File:Cantiga flute.jpg|thumb|left|''Cantigas de Santa María'', medieval Spain]]

[[Isidore of Seville]], the prolific 7th-century scholar, wrote extensively about music theory and practice in his encyclopedic work ''Etymologiae'', providing valuable documentation of musical customs in Visigothic Spain.{{r|Trend1926|page=10-15}}

Among the early Muslim rulers of [[Al-Andalus]], music was generally tolerated and often encouraged. [[Abd al-Rahman I]] and [[Abd ar-Rahman II]] both kept singers and musicians at court, primarily brought over from the Arabian peninsula or the Levant.{{r|Ribera1929|pages=99}} The most notable of these early Umayyad musicians was [[Ziryab]], a lute player and singer whose method of teaching singing became widely influential in the region.{{r|Ribera1929|page=104}} This royal patronage extended to the nobility, who held concerts in their homes and procured musical entertainment for social events.{{r|Ribera1929|page=108}}

While some later monarchs such as [[Abd ar-Rahman III]] and [[Al-Hakam I]] were more austere, [[Almanzor]] revived musical patronage in the 10th century.{{r|Ribera1929|page=109-110}} During his reign, the education of noble girls included learning instruments such as the lute, ''[[Rabel (instrument)|rabel]]'', ''[[manucordio]]'', and organ.{{r|Ribera1929|page=114}} Court orchestras could be substantial—one in the reign of [[Muhammad II of Córdoba]] reportedly had "a hundred lutes and a hundred flutes".{{r|Ribera1929|page=110}} The [[Taifa of Seville]] was particularly notable for its musical culture, with ruler [[Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad]] being a musician himself.{{r|Ribera1929|page=111}}

Court music originally drew from Arabian and Levantine forms, but over time a distinctive Iberian style evolved, featuring the ''zejel'' and ''muwashah'' lyric patterns that also appear in Spanish poetry.{{r|Ribera1929|page=118-119}}{{r|Trend1926|page=29}} These 'eastern' styles were also adopted by common people, who combined them with regional traditions.{{r|Ribera1929|page=119}}

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

Muslim rulers were usually relatively tolerant of Christianity and Judaism, especially during the first three centuries of their presence, allowing Christian and [[Jewish music]] to flourish.{{r|Trend1926|page=20-25}} [[Music notation]] was developed in Spain as early as the 8th century (the so-called Visigothic [[neume]]s) to notate sacred [[Christian music|music of the Christian church]], though this obscure notation has not yet been fully deciphered.{{r|Trend1926|page=15-18}}

The music of the early medieval Christian church in Spain is known as the "[[Mozarabic Chant]]", which developed in isolation prior to the Islamic invasion and was not subject to the [[Pope|Papacy's]] enforcement of [[Gregorian chant]].{{r|Trend1926|page=18-20}} As the Christian [[reconquista]] progressed, these chants were almost entirely replaced by the Gregorian standard.{{r|Trend1926|page=20}} Meanwhile, earlier musical folk styles from the pre-Islamic period continued in the countryside, in the same way as the Mozarabic Chant persisted in the churches.{{r|Ribera1929|page=119-125}}

In the royal Christian courts of the reconquistors, music like the [[Cantigas de Santa Maria]] reflected Moorish influences.{{r|Trend1926|page=35-40}} Other important medieval sources include the [[Codex Calixtinus]] from [[Santiago de Compostela]], the [[Codex Las Huelgas]] from [[Burgos]], and the [[Llibre Vermell de Montserrat]], a 14th-century devotional collection containing pilgrim songs and dances.{{r|Trend1926|page=45-60}}

==Renaissance and Baroque periods==
[[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.{{r|Trend1926|page=100-110}} 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]].{{r|Trend1926|page=110-120}} The organist [[Antonio de Cabezón]] stands out for his keyboard compositions and mastery.{{r|Trend1926|page=150-155}}

An early 16th-century [[polyphony|polyphonic]] vocal style developed in Spain was closely related to that of the [[Franco-Flemish School|Franco-Flemish]] composers.{{r|Trend1926|page=120-130}} 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.{{r|Trend1926|page=130-140}}

Music composed for the [[vihuela]] by [[Luis de Milán]], [[Alonso Mudarra]] and [[Luis de Narváez]] was one of the main achievements of the period.{{r|Trend1926|page=140-145}} The Aragonese [[Gaspar Sanz]] authored the first learning method for guitar.{{r|Trend1926|page=200-205}}

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.{{r|Trend1926|page=160-180}} Victoria was recognized by contemporaries as having reached a level of polyphonic perfection and expressive intensity comparable to [[Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina|Palestrina]] and [[Orlando di Lasso|Lassus]].{{r|Trend1926|page=175-180}} 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]].{{r|Trend1926|page=180-190}}
{{clear}}

==18th to 19th centuries==
[[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 had entered a period of decline, and would remain that way until the 19th century.<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=1-3}} Classicism in Spain, when it arrived, was inspired by Italian models, as in the works of [[Antonio Soler (composer)|Antonio Soler]].{{r|Marco1993|page=2}} Some outstanding Italian composers such as [[Domenico Scarlatti]] and [[Luigi Boccherini]] were appointed to the Madrid royal court, bringing Italian musical sensibilities to Spanish audiences.{{r|Marco1993|page=2-3}} The short-lived [[Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga]] is credited as the main beginner of Romantic sinfonism in Spain.{{r|Marco1993|page=3}}

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.{{r|Marco1993|page=3-4}}

[[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]]

[[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.{{r|Marco1993|page=4}} [[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.{{r|Marco1993|page=4}} Leading 20th-century zarzuela composers included [[Pablo Sorozábal]] and [[Federico Moreno Torroba]].{{r|Marco1993|page=4-5}} Due to the genre's popularity, many 19th-century composers wrote in the style.{{r|Marco1993|page=4}}

[[Fernando Sor]], [[Dionisio Aguado]], [[Francisco Tárrega]] and [[Miguel Llobet]] are known as composers of guitar music.{{r|Marco1993|page=5-6}} Fine literature for violin was created by [[Pablo Sarasate]] and [[Jesús de Monasterio]].{{r|Marco1993|page=6}}

Musical creativity mainly moved into areas of popular music until the nationalist revival of the late Romantic era.{{r|Marco1993|page=6-8}} 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]].{{r|Marco1993|page=8-10}}

==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 [[:es:Sociedad Filarmónica de Madrid|Sociedad Filarmónica 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}}

===Franco era===

During the 1940s and 1950s, Spanish music was shaped by the aftermath of the Civil War and [[Francisco Franco]]'s dictatorship. The regime used censorship as a tool to control cultural expression, with the Falangist Vice-Secretariat of Popular Education banning the broadcasting of "so-called black music, swing dances, or any other kind of compositions whose lyrics are in a foreign language".<ref name="Iglesias2016">{{Cite book |last=Iglesias |first=Iván |chapter=Performing the 'anti-Spanish' body: Jazz and biopolitics in the early Franco regime (1939–1957) |title=Jazz and Totalitarianism |editor-last=Johnson |editor-first=Bruce |date=2016 |publisher=Routledge |pages=157–173}}</ref>

Traditional genres like flamenco and classical music continued under the regime, though flamenco was at times restricted from public display.{{r|Marco1993|page=20-30}} Popular music forms such as zarzuela and [[pasodoble]] remained prominent during this period. The regime's musical censorship was controlled by two agencies: the Directorate General of Popular Culture and the Directorate General of Radio and Television, which operated between 1960 and 1977 and classified approximately 4,000 songs as unfit for broadcast.<ref name="Europavox">{{Cite web |last=Muñoz |first=Chechu |date=9 January 2018 |title=Anarchy in the E.U: Franco's Days – 40 years against rock in Spain |url=https://www.europavox.com/news/anarchy-e-u-francos-days-40-years-rock-spain/ |website=Europavox}}</ref>

===Benidorm Song Festival===
Despite strict censorship and limited outlets for contemporary music, the [[Benidorm International Song Festival]], established in 1959, provided an important platform for Spanish musicians.<ref name="Benidorm">{{Cite web |title=Julio Iglesias |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/music-popular-and-jazz-biographies/julio-iglesias |website=Encyclopedia.com}}</ref> The contest, modeled on Italy's [[Festival della canzone italiana|San Remo Music Festival]], was created to promote Benidorm and Spanish music. During the festival's peak years from 1959 to 1971, it featured emerging personalities of Spanish light song, including [[Dúo Dinámico]], [[Raphael (singer)|Raphael]], Bruno Lomas, and [[Julio Iglesias]], who won in 1968 with "La vida sigue igual".{{r|Benidorm}}<ref name="BiographyJulio">{{Cite web |title=Julio Iglesias - Children, Age & Songs |url=https://www.biography.com/musicians/julio-iglesias |website=[[Biography (TV program)|Biography]] |date=13 August 2020 |access-date=29 December 2025}}</ref>

===Yé-yé===
{{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, which took its name from the English pop-refrain "yeah-yeah", originated in France and spread to Spain during the mid-1960s.<ref name="MadeInSpain">{{Cite book |last1=Martínez |first1=Sílvia |last2=Fouce |first2=Héctor |title=Made in Spain: Studies in Popular Music |date=2013 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-415-50640-3 |chapter=Submarinos amarillos: Transcultural Objects in Spanish Popular Music during Late Francoism}}</ref> The musical style combined Anglo-American influences with traditional European pop forms, featuring catchy, upbeat melodies and simple, danceable rhythms.{{r|MadeInSpain}}

The performers were often young female singers, known as "chicas yéyé" in Spain, who became popular idols.{{r|MadeInSpain}} In 1965, the Spanish comedy film ''Historias de la Televisión'' was released, featuring the song "Chica Yeyé" performed by [[Concha Velasco]]. The song rose to number one on the Spanish music charts, achieving widespread popularity and becoming one of the most recognizable songs in Spain.{{r|MadeInSpain}} [[Maribel Llaudes aka Karina|Karina]] was regarded as "Queen of Spanish yé-yé" with hits including "En un mundo nuevo" and "El baúl de los recuerdos".{{r|MadeInSpain}}

In 1968, [[Massiel]] won the [[Eurovision Song Contest]] with "La, la, la", a significant cultural milestone that placed Spanish pop music on the European stage. Other notable Spanish yé-yé artists include [[Marisol (actress)|Marisol]], [[Rocío Dúrcal]], Ana Belén, and Gelu.{{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==
{{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>

Spain has over forty professional orchestras, including the [[Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona]], [[Orquesta Nacional de España]], and the [[Orquesta Sinfónica de Madrid]].{{r|Marco1993|page=15}}

[[File:Raphael_de_España.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Raphael (singer)|Raphael]], recognized for his vocal range and 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]].{{r|Marco1993|page=13-15}}

<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==
[[File:Rocio_Durcal_1962.jpg|thumb|left|175px|[[Rocío Dúrcal]], one of the best-selling Spanish-speaking female artists in music history]]

Spanish pop music developed during the years of [[Francisco Franco]]'s regime, which presented challenges for artists seeking to explore contemporary styles.{{r|Marco1993|page=200-205}} During the 1960s and early 1970s, tourism brought additional musical styles from elsewhere in Europe and abroad.{{r|Marco1993|page=205-210}}

The regime's restrictions on women's roles in public life created barriers for female musicians. Nevertheless, some achieved considerable success, such as [[Marisol (actress)|Marisol]], who began her career as a child star in the 1960s, and [[Rocío Dúrcal]], who became a prominent figure in Spanish music and film.{{r|Marco1993|page=210}}

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

===La Movida Madrileña===

Following Franco's death in 1975, the 1980s brought ''[[La Movida Madrileña]]'', a countercultural movement centered in Madrid.<ref name="Stapell">{{Cite book |last=Stapell |first=Hamilton M. |title=Remaking Madrid: Culture, Politics, and Identity after Franco |date=2010 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |isbn=978-0-230-10641-3}}</ref> The movement coincided with economic growth in Spain and a widespread desire for the development of a post-Francoist identity. The "Concierto homenaje a Canito" (Canito Memorial Concert), which took place on 9 February 1980, is traditionally considered the beginning of La Movida Madrileña.<ref name="Guardian2020">{{Cite news |last=Carroll |first=Rory |date=11 February 2020 |title='Bless the chaos': La Movida Madrileña, Spain's seedy, wild post-Franco underground |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/feb/11/la-movida-madrilena-spain-post-franco-anarchists-alaska-pedro-almodovar |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref>

La Movida featured a rise in [[punk rock]] and [[synth-pop]] music, drawing influence from [[New wave music|new wave]], Germany's [[Neue Deutsche Welle]], and the British [[New Romantic]] movement.{{r|Stapell}} Notable artists included [[Kaka de Luxe]], [[Radio Futura]], [[Nacha Pop]], [[Gabinete Caligari]], and [[Los Secretos]].{{r|Guardian2020}} Two popular bands were [[Mecano]] and [[Alaska y los Pegamoides]].{{r|Stapell}}

Female artists such as Alaska (of Alaska y los Pegamoides and later [[Fangoria (band)|Fangoria]]) became cultural icons during this period.{{r|Guardian2020}} Alaska was one of the founding members of La Movida and participated in several music groups including Kaka de Luxe (1977), Alaska y los Pegamoides (1980), Alaska y Dinarama (1983), and since 1989, the electronic band Fangoria.{{r|Stapell}} Film director [[Pedro Almodóvar]] had a significant influence on the Movida with his films, and remains its most internationally famous participant.{{r|Guardian2020}}

[[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".]]

===1990s and beyond===

The 1990s were characterized by a vibrant underground music scene in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Alternative rock bands such as [[Los Planetas]] and [[Dover (band)|Dover]] gained prominence.<ref name="AllMusicPlanetas">{{Cite web |title=Una Semana en el Motor de un Autobús – Los Planetas |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/una-semana-en-el-motor-de-un-autobús-mw0001888908 |website=AllMusic}}</ref><ref name="AllMusicDover">{{Cite web |title=Dover |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/dover-mn0000203829 |website=AllMusic}}</ref>

Los Planetas, an indie rock group from Granada formed in 1993, became one of the flagship artists of the 1990s alternative movement in Spain.{{r|AllMusicPlanetas}} Their 1998 album ''Una semana en el motor de un autobús'' earned them critical acclaim, and was named best album of 1998 by the Spanish music magazine ''Rockdelux''.<ref name="Rockdelux">{{Cite web |title=Los Planetas: 25 años de Una semana en el motor de un autobús |url=https://muzikalia.com/especial-los-planetas-25-anos-de-una-semana-en-el-motor-de-un-autobus/ |date=13 April 2023 |website=Muzikalia}}</ref> Dover, formed in 1992, gained international recognition with their 1997 album ''Devil Came to Me'', which sold over 500,000 copies and won the band the Ondas Award for best Spanish group revelation.{{r|AllMusicDover}}<ref name="DoverTalento">{{Cite web |title=Devil Came To Me by Dover, 25th Anniversary |url=https://talentoabordo.com/en/music/dover-devil-came-to-me-25-anniversary |website=Talento a Bordo |date=2022}}</ref> Electronic music and dance clubs further diversified the musical landscape during this period.

===International success===
[[Julio Iglesias]], [[Enrique Iglesias]], and [[Alejandro Sanz]] represent Spanish pop music's international reach. Julio Iglesias 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 including the [[Grammy Award]].

===Crossover with Latin American markets===
As Spanish is commonly spoken in Spain and most of Latin America, music from both regions has been able to cross over.<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, with a category for [[Latin Grammy Award for Best Flamenco Album|Best Flamenco Album]] and 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.<ref name="FairleyRegional">{{Cite book |last1=Fairley |first1=Jan |last2=Domínguez |first2=Manuel |chapter=A Tale of Celts and Islanders |title=World Music, Vol. 1: Africa, Europe and the Middle East |editor1-last=Broughton |editor1-first=Simon |editor2-last=Ellingham |editor2-first=Mark |publisher=[[Rough Guides]] |year=2000 |pages=292–297 |isbn=1-85828-636-0}}</ref> There is also a movement of singer-songwriters with politically active lyrics, paralleling similar developments in Latin America and [[Portugal]].{{r|FairleyRegional}} 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]].<ref name="FairleyFlamenco">{{Cite book |last=Fairley |first=Jan |chapter=A Wild, Savage Feeling |title=World Music, Vol. 1: Africa, Europe and the Middle East |editor1-last=Broughton |editor1-first=Simon |editor2-last=Ellingham |editor2-first=Mark |publisher=[[Rough Guides]] |year=2000 |pages=279–291 |isbn=1-85828-636-0}}</ref>

[[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.{{r|FairleyFlamenco}} 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]]''.{{r|FairleyFlamenco}} 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]].{{r|FairleyRegional}} 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]]).{{r|FairleyRegional}} 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.{{r|FairleyRegional}} 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]]).{{r|FairleyRegional}} 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.{{r|FairleyRegional}}

There are local festivals of which [[Ortigueira]]'s ''Festival Internacional do Mundo Celta'' is especially important.<ref name="KMUW">{{Cite web |title=November Feature: Music of Celtic Spain |url=https://www.kmuw.org/music/2012-11-01/november-feature-music-of-celtic-spain |website=KMUW |date=1 November 2012 |access-date=29 December 2025}}</ref> Drum and bagpipe couples range among the most beloved kinds of Galician music, that also includes popular bands like [[Milladoiro]].{{r|FairleyRegional}} ''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.{{r|FairleyRegional}}

[[Asturias]] is also home to popular musicians such as José Ángel [[Hevia]] (bagpiper) and the group [[Llan de cubel]].{{r|FairleyRegional}} 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).{{r|FairleyRegional}} [[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]].<ref name="Trikitixa">{{Cite web |title=Trikitixa |url=https://nabasque.eus/triki.html |website=North American Basque Organizations |access-date=29 December 2025}}</ref> Popular performers are [[Joseba Tapia]] and [[Kepa Junkera]].{{r|Trikitixa}}

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).{{r|FairleyRegional}} 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.{{r|FairleyRegional}} Even during the persecution of the [[Francisco Franco]] era (1939–1975), when the Basque language was outlawed, traditional songs and dances were 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).{{r|FairleyRegional}} [[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]].{{r|FairleyRegional}}

===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.{{r|FairleyRegional}}

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.{{r|FairleyRegional}} 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.{{r|FairleyRegional}} 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.{{r|FairleyRegional}} 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.{{r|FairleyRegional}} [[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]].<ref name="Britannica">{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Sardana |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] |url=https://www.britannica.com/art/sardana |access-date=29 December 2025}}</ref> 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.{{r|Britannica}}

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.<ref name="RumbaCatalana">{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Deborah Pacini |title=How Artists Are Inspired By The Rumba Catalana, From Peret To Rosalía |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/artists-inspired-rumba-catalana-peret-rosalia-8519209/ |website=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=7 February 2023 |access-date=29 December 2025}}</ref> The rumba catalana originated in Barcelona when the rumba and other Afro-Cuban styles arrived from Cuba in the 19th and early 20th centuries.{{r|RumbaCatalana}} Catalan performers adapted them to the flamenco format and made it their own. Though often dismissed by aficionados as "fake" flamenco, rumba catalana remains popular.

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

===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.{{r|FairleyRegional}} 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.{{r|FairleyRegional}} 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.{{r|FairleyFlamenco}} 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.{{r|FairleyRegional}}

===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.{{r|FairleyRegional}} 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.{{r|FairleyRegional}} 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.{{r|FairleyRegional}} 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.{{r|FairleyRegional}} 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.

==Notes==
{{reflist}}

==References==
*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)]

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