Music of Spain

The people of Spain have been influenced by a variety of cultures. In turn, the various cultures have provided an influence on Spanish music. This  cultural diversity has been the foundation that supported the development of Spanish music and the effects have influenced the type of instruments and the dance for each period of history. This is why Spanish music has different regional characteristics and yet has a strong similarity.

In early times, the chants and religious music of the churches formed the bases for the music, but the medieval songs brought a change to this art. As history evolved the basic music changed also. In the 16th century, the guitar was introduced and became the backbone for the different types music to follow, such as opera, folk and popular music. The northern areas of Galicia and Asturia have the wonderful lively music created by the bagpipes, called the Gaita. This music can be moody as well. The bagpipes create high-varied sounds that accompany the chant-based songs found in these northern regions.

The popular musical festivals in the 1960s and 70s produced the well-known pop style of music. The most famous and world renowned Spanish musical artist is Julio Iglesias. In addition the traditional Flamenco type of music, dance and song is popular throughout Spain, but is considered to be derived from the southern Andalusian region. The folk music of this area is played on a tabor pipe and a violin, which is often played by plucking the strings rather than with the bow.

In the southern part of Aragon, the castanets, guitars, bandurrias, tambourines and flutes are popular. This is a strong characteristic of Spanish music. In the Basque area, the folk music preformed is accompanied by the accordion and tambourine. There is a strong Mediterranean influence in this region and the xylophone, recorder and the double clarinet are played. The double clarinet requires two performers and provides a special skill different from other instruments. The Canary Islands have their music traditional accompanied by the plucked ukulele. The drums, wood fife, guitar and the tabor pipe make this regional music memorable.

In the poorest part of Spain, known as Extremadura, the drum is the instrument of choice and is played by pulling a rope, which is inside the drum, known as a zambomba drum, and is accompanied by triangles, castanets, guitars, tambourines and accordions. The traditional music of Valencia introduces the brass bands and has an innovative reputation. The culture of each group of people in Spain has had a true impact on the musical types and styles for each region.