Seguiriya, a voyage to the depths of flamenco

The seguiriya is a flamenco singing style that stands out for its emotional intensity and its capacity to transmit suffering and pain, but what makes the seguiriya so special?

Origins and evolution of the seguiriya

The seguiriya is one of the oldest flamenco styles dating back to the 18th century. Its origin is linked to the Andalusian gypsies, who used this style of song as a way of expressing their sadness and sorrow. Over the years, the seguiriya has maintained its essence, becoming a symbol of pure flamenco. 

The name seguiriya comes from seguirilla, a poetic, musical form based on a 12 beat rhythm which sounds like a constant lament. 

Historically it was performed without music, and although today it usually has a musical accompaniment on the guitar, it continues to be considered a serious, unadorned style, which makes it a very difficult flamenco style to perform, full of key changes and changes in dynamics. 

Musical characteristics of the seguiriya 

The seguiriya is defined by its emotional depth and its rhythmic complexity. In contrast to other more festive flamenco styles, the seguiriya is performed with a slow tempo and a solemn style. This allows the flamenco singer and guitarist to explore dynamics relating to sadness and pain that are not found in other flamenco styles.

The seguiriya flamenco song usually begins with a wailing lament (un quejío), a type of heartrending cry which grabs the attention of the audience from the very first moment. The lyrics continue to be full of those same wailing cries and laments that break the soul. It is thought that the seguiriyas came from the historical, now defunct, tradition of the plañideras, women who were hired to cry during wakes and funerals as a mark of respect. 

The seguiriyas dance

The seguiriya is pure emotion. The dancers give themselves over completely, expressing with each movement the pain and passion of the song. Here the sentiment expressed is more important than the correct technique, and on stage there is an outpouring of art and emotion in each step.

The seguiriya is a voyage to the heart of flamenco where each note, each lament, takes you to the deepest emotional depths.

The greatest seguiriyas singers

Throughout history, many flamenco artists have left their mark on the performance of the seguiriya. Some of the most outstanding are: 

Antonio Mairena: Renowned for his mastery of the deepest, purest flamenco styles, Mairena is a key figure in the history of the seguiriya.

La Niña de los Peines: One of the most influential flamenco singers, her performance of the seguiriya is considered legendary.

Manuel Torre: His raw, emotional style has made his versions of the seguiriya a reference point for many generations of flamenco singers. 

These legendary flamenco singers have known how to capture the essence of seguiriya, transmitting the pain and beauty of this flamenco style in every performance.

The seguiriya in contemporary flamenco

Although the seguiriya is a traditional style of flamenco, it has also found its place in contemporary flamenco. Modern flamenco singers such as José Mercé and Estrella Morente have adapted the seguiriya, maintaining its essence while expressing it in different forms. 

In the modern flamenco festivals, the seguiriya is still a fundamental part of the performance. Its capacity to excite and move audiences makes it a high point in any flamenco show. 

Experience the intensity of the seguiriya live and be swept away by the power of this flamenco style at Teatro Flamenco Málaga where each week different flamenco artists perform in Essence, the most popular, live, daily flamenco show in Málaga. Get your tickets here!