The Andalusian copla

The Andalusian copla, also known in Spanish for canción española, is one of the richest forms of expression for Andalusian people. It is a popular Spanish genre, frequently sung by Andalusian tonadilleras women.

The themes of these songs retain features of flamenco and usually revolve around the theme of love.

The copla is an artistic genre in which the music, the lyrics and the way each artist interprets it are of great importance

Pastora Imperio was one of the first copla singers. She was a muchadmired woman and the muse of some artists of the time, such as the painter Julio Romero de Torres.

Rocío Jurado alternated the copla with romantic ballads, giving her international fame. She was also talented at flamenco singing.

1 Look for information and write a list of copla singers in your notebook.

2 Do you remember the name of any coplas? Write them in your notebook and listen to some of them online.

Carlos Cano, singer-songwriter from Granada, known by many as ‘the voice of Andalusian people’. He recovered relatively forgotten traditional Andalusian styles such as the copla.