Music of Spain
Flamenco
Flamenco, an originally Gypsy art-form strongly influenced by Andalusian music, consists of three forms: the song (cante), the dance (baile) and the guitar (guitarra). Its first reference in history occurs in 1774, from Cadalso's "Cartas Marruecas". Flamenco probably originated in Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera and Triana, and is a descendant of musical forms left by Moorish invaders during the 8th-14th century.There are two forms of flamenco songs: cante jondo and cante chico. Cante jondo are slower and usually feature sad lyrics about disappointed love or death, while cante chico are much quicker, more popular and dance-oriented.
The golden age of flamenco is said to be 1869 to 1910, later becoming more and more popularized internationally and influenced by South American music, especially the tango. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Antonio Mairena and similar artists kelped kickstart a flamenco revival.
Some of Spain's most famous singers are:
- Miguel Bose
- Rocio Durcal
- Enrique Iglesias
- Julio Iglesias
- Rocio Jurado
- Tony Katrasca
- Melody (singer)
- Isabel Pantojas
- Raphael
- Camilo Sesto
- María Jímenez
- Mártires del Compás
- Los Berzas
- David Bisbal
- Tamara
- El Fary
Also from Spain was the famous trio of singing clowns Gaby Fofo Y Miliki, and the humorist Arévalo.
