Considered as the purest and oldest style of flamenco, cante jondo is a musical expression that has its origins in the Andalusian gypsy people, but also finds its roots in the African continent and in cultures such as the Arab and Jewish that coexisted in Andalusia. However, there is a great variety of theories about it. But what is certain is that cante jondo has had a great influence on the rest of flamenco music and has received great international recognition.
Despite being a primitive song, we have the tremendous luck that this artistic expression has been preserved to this day, being able to witness it in many Andalusian places, the land where it was born. Do you want to know where? Stay with us because we tell you the places where you can enjoy this art on your trip through Andalusia. But first, we want to bring you a little closer to this beautiful song to make your experience even more complete.
An expression full of feeling
The cante jondo is a flamenco vocal style that is characterized by being very emotional and transmitting feelings in a very intense way. The themes it deals with are usually sad, addressing aspects such as human suffering and marginalization that are communicated in the form of lamentation. In addition, he uses a lot of improvisation and his melodic structure is unique.
In the staging, the cantaor (as the artist who performs the flamenco songs is known) not only uses his voice to interpret the songs, but also his body. This helps the singing to reach the audience in a much more passionate and intense way.
But the cantaor is not alone on the stage, the cante jondo is composed of voice and music, which is normally emitted by the guitars and other percussion elements, such as the palmas or the flamenco cajones. In fact, the guitar is the main protagonist together with the cantaor, as it accompanies him perfectly, almost as if they were in dialogue with each other.
Types of cante jondo
Within the cante jondo we can find different styles or palos. Each one has distinctive musical characteristics, as well as different ways of transmitting emotions. They are considered to be the oldest styles of flamenco, since cante jondo is the origin of all flamenco singing.
Palos such as tonás, seguiriyas, soleás or tangos are the so-called cantes grandes del cante jondo. They are the most dramatic and reflect all the anguish and pain we have talked about before. In addition, they have a simpler and less bombastic style.
However, cante jondo is not only sadness, palos such as bulería or rumba, which also belong to this cante and are known as cantos chicos, are more cheerful and festive expressions of this cante and deal with themes such as love, humor and happiness. They usually have more elements of improvisation by the singer, being more spontaneous, fast and energetic.
What does cante jondo mean?
Its meaning would be “canto hondo” or “deep song”, since the Andalusian dialect has preserved the aspirated pronunciation of the h, which is more similar to the pronunciation of the Castilian j.
With the word “jondo” the gypsy community of the time also referred to the authenticity and essence of this song, which represents the essence of flamenco.
Where to see cante jondo shows in Andalusia?
Attending a cante jondo show is the best way to understand this art. You will be able to live in your own flesh all its strength and feeling, experiencing unique sensations and different from any other type of art.
Best of all, there are many places in the Andalusian community where you can see flamenco singing at its best. One of the best known events of this art is the Festival de Cante Jondo Antonio Mairena, which is held every year and was created by the Sevillian flamenco singer of the same name, who was one of the most relevant figures of this art.
It takes place in Seville in the Auditorium of the Casa Palacio de Mairena del Alcor, in addition to other scenarios, and is usually held in early September. It consists of different shows for which you have to buy different tickets, which usually cost between 10 € and 25 €, and for which different websites are enabled where they can be purchased.
But if your trip to Andalusia does not coincide with the date of the Festival, do not worry. There are many tablaos that offer shows on different days of the week and where you will be able to experience this art in first person. In our flamenco tablao in Malaga you can find different flamenco shows that change every week and in which participate flamenco artists of great prestige that interpret some of the “palos del cante jondo”. We encourage you to book so that no one will tell you again how this art is, but you are the one who lives it firsthand.
