Alegria

The word alegria translates in English to "happiness" or "joy." This song form is part of a larger group called cantiñas and originates in the Andalucían town of Cádiz. The short sample I've posted here gives some of the flavor of alegrias. This form, though dominated by the lighter and more upbeat major key, can also include slower and minor key passages.

Dos Sevillanas

The sevillana is originally an Andalucían folk dance and is a central feature of Seville's spring féria. These two particular sevillanas are composed by Pedro Soler and represent the more somber and soulful side of this normally upbeat and festive form.

Escobilla

The escobilla is actually a part of a traditional dance section of the cantiñas form. Escobilla translates into English as "little broom" and is named for the distinctive sweeping steps of the dancers. In addition to its importance for dancers, escobilla makes an excellent processional accompaniment because it is light, upbeat and easily varied.

Granaína

The Granaína comes from the town of Granada and illustrates the influence on flamenco of eight centuries of Moorish rule in southern Spain. The Granaína tends to be richly filigreed and evokes the delicate architecture and flowing waterways of Granada's ethereal fortress on the hill, the Alhambra.