MS 399 - Music in Spain

Traditional music is one of the most valuable treasures of Spanish culture. Although its origins are unknown and its roots are popular, its manifestations became established in Spain during the Romantic era as a way to express the sense of belonging of the community to a diverse historical and political reality. These distinctive identity markers help strengthen social bonds and the collective identity of the various Spanish regions through folklore.

Music in Spain is an exploration of a complex cultural framework that continues to offer significant examples of a living tradition reflected in the festive calendar and community celebrations across Spain. The large-scale paintings Joaquín Sorolla created for the Hispanic Society of America (Vision of Spain) and José Ortiz Echagüe's photographs of regional types and costumes faithfully represent the richness and character of a country with highly diverse musical expressions. Beyond the stereotypical identification of Spanish music with flamenco, the folkloric repertoire includes other genres such as jota, muñeira, sardana, parranda, seguidilla, fandango, rondeña, sevillana, and isa—forms of intangible heritage that continue to be passed down through generations and deserve preservation. Among these, the jota stands out as a style with multiple variants spread throughout Spain, inspiring prominent composers of classical music from the 19th and 20th centuries, such as Mikhail Glinka, Maurice Ravel, and Manuel de Falla.

Note: This course syllabus is subject to change.