I decided to share the Jota, a song and dance tradition from Spain! Jota songs tend to concern a wide range of topics, such as commentaries on religion, patriotism, or interpersonal relationships. The Jota is traditionally performed in 6/8 time, and I believe the performance I have linked to exemplify this metre. The lyrical patterns of the Jota contribute an intriguing texture to the performance as well; Jota songs tend to be sung in a collection of four stanzas, with each stanza consisting of eight syllables. 

Upon viewing the recording, one can perceive castanets in the dancer’s hands. Castanets are shell-shaped, wooden instruments that produce a sharp, rhythmic clicking. The primary melodic instrument is a very bright lute, the bandurria, that can be heard above accompanying guitars. The bandurria can be performed with a plectrum or by using one’s fingers for plucking. The tempo increases over the duration of the performance, which contributes to the ever-increasing vivacity of the dance. 

I was intent on sharing this performance as I am very interested in how music can be used as a cultural expression. I find the use of regional costumes that accompany the dance performance to be very captivating, and I have enjoyed analyzing how the performers interact with the music. 

Link to Song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAiUYG-aWfM

Sources:

“The Music of Spain.” The Music Studio, 6 Oct. 2021, https://www.themusicstudio.ca/the-music-of-spain/.

“Jota.” Spanish Arts, https://www.spanish-art.org/spanish-dance-jota.html.

“Bandurria.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Aug. 2007, https://www.britannica.com/art/bandurria/additional-info#history.