Music In Spain

Music of Spain has a long history and has played an important part in the development of western music. It is varied in form and style, although for many citizens, it is synonymous to Flamenco, an Andalusian genre of music. Rock music, folks, pop, and hip hops also exists in Spanish lands. Instrumental music in Spain was influenced by Arabic music in the early Renaissance period. 18th to 20th centuries led to the conclusion of the "classical" musical culture of Spain and led to the new venture of guitar compositions by renowned Spanish musicians.

Spain's regions have their own distinctive musical traditions. There is also a movement of singer-songwriters with politically active lyrics, paralleling similar developments across Latin America and Portugal. Popular music resonates out into the cobbled streets and squares of Spain. Shaped by history, social and political change, Spain music has an undeniable familiarity and accessibility, making it an essential part of Spanish culture and tradition. Regions retain distinctive and diverse cultural and musical styles. Popular music produced commercially, such as heavy metal, punk have a prominent role in Spanish society with bands.

Flamenco is a genuine Spanish art, and to be more exact an genuine Southern Spanish art. It exists in three forms: Cante, the song, Baile, the dance, and Guitarra, guitar playing. Gypsies are very often named as its fathers, and at least it can be taken for certain that they played an important part in its creation. But also the popular songs and dances of Andalusia have influenced early Flamenco considerably. Certainly there were other influences, too, as it will not surprise in a country that has been dominated by most diverse cultures and civilizations during its different historical eras. There were the legendary Tartessos, and seven centuries of Muslim occupation that could have passed without leaving traces. All this, directly or indirectly, influenced Flamenco. The first time Flamenco was reported in literature in the 'Cartas Marruecas' of Cadalso, in 1774. Its cradle most probably was where, between 1765 and 1860, the first Flamenco-schools were created.

Madrid music essentially refers to Flamenco and Jazz, though there are other music forms that are also popular in the city. It has been able to preserve this ancient form of music and presently, it is played in plenty of pubs and nightclubs of the city. Besides the traditional music of Madrid, the city also is home to many musical genres that have emerged during the 20th century. One of the most popular musical genres that can be heard in many of the restaurants and nightclubs of Madrid is Jazz. The city celebrates this form of music through the famous musical event International Jazz Festival. Other types of music in Madrid include world music, soul music, international pop, rock, folk music etc.

Salamanca is another form of music that fits under the musical umbrella of inland Spain's Castilla-Leon region. Just as the area's string of civilizations had a major impact on its history, they have also played a monumental role in the development of the area's music. Along with the impact of the Celtiberian tribes that first settled the area, traces of Gypsy, Portuguese, Roman, Jewish, and Moorish cultures can all be found in Spain's music. Following a 19th and 20th century resurgence of regional folk music throughout Spain, Salamanca continues to embrace the traditional music of the Castilla-León region while showing equal interest in the newer musical stylings of contemporary and jazz. The city hosts a myriad of festivals featuring anything from traditional religious to funky electronic, welcomes a variety of major concerts throughout the year.