Music of Murcia

Murcia is a region in the South East of Spain with many external influences varying from the ancient Moors that occupied the area for centuries to the adjacent Communities (Andalusia, Castilla La Mancha, etc.). Its music is determined by the heavy use of string instruments as the bandurria or the Spanish guitar and percussion instruments like the castanets ("castañuelas" or "postizas") and the tambourine.

Murcian music is most notably represented by the religious Auroras songs, which are derived from La Mancha and Andalusian folk music. They include a cappella chants, sometimes accompanied by church bells. They are often performed in small paths in orchards at night.

Cuadrillas are festive songs traditionally sung by reduced collectives with jobs like harvesters ("segaores" ^[sic]) or builders ("albañiles"), but now they are performed at celebrations and holidays, especially on Christmas by reduced bands with occasional dancing.^[1] The Fandango Murciano is a well-known variation of the Andalusian fandango characterized by long extensions of the voice. José Verdú's Cantos populares de Murcia is a well-known collection of Murcian songs.

References

1. ^ http://www.lomejordemurcia.com/lmdm_musica.htm

External links

• Webpage of a Murcian Traditional Folk Music Festival (In Spanish)