In contrast to the tragic Seguiriyas, the Flamenco toque Alegria has a name which means 'joy' or 'gaiety.' In general, Alegrias are a carefree lot, optimistic and high-spirited in character. You can express this lively feeling in your own music, your guitar bursting forth with the joy of life.
The historical origin of these joyous songs is in the Spanish seaport of Cadiz. They were most likely derived from a Flamenco adaptation of sailors’ songs, called Jotas. Musicians set these sailors' melodies to the compas of Soleares, using them for dances at festive occasions. Alegrias belong in the larger class of toques called Cantinas.
Artists from all three of the Flamenco disciplines perform Alegrias. Singers, dancers, as well as guitarists enjoy this spirited toque, as well as their audiences. Unlike Soleares and Seguiriyas, which are in the Phrygian mode, Alegrias are composed in the major (and sometimes minor) key, contributing to their technical complexity.
Please visit LA Guitar Academy's website for flamenco guitar lessons in Los Angeles, or go to LAGA Online's home page to take online flamenco guitar lessons from the LAGA Faculty.
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