That Spain is rich in music of its own has long been known to travellers there, particularly to those who have wandered off the usual tourist's track and seen something of the unspoiled and unsophisticated peasant folk. In Catalonia and Andalusia more than in other parts, there can still be heard folk-songs and dances which have probably undergone very little change in being handed down through generations from one finger or guitar player to another. In recent times Spanish musicians have done much in the way of collecting and arranging those fine old tunes, and listeners have had a good many opportunities of hearing such music as de Falla and Granados delight in giving to us. Vivid rhythm is their strongest characteristic, and it is often easy to imagine the thrummed guitar accompaniment to which these tunes were first sung. Even many of the dance tunes were probably sung as well as played, and, indeed, are still to this day.
But, apart from its own native music, Spain has been responsible-though it is a responsibility which the country may not always be willing to accept-for much so-called Spanish music, in which composers of other races have sought to capture its picturesque charm. In Spain they would no doubt tell you that these were somewhat superficial imitations, in the same way in which the Celtic races despise all attempts by the mere Saxon to understand their idiom. But, Spanish or no, the result is very often gay and sparkling music with something of the vivacity which one associates with the sunny South.

Santa and Barbera (Spanish Operatic Duo)
Songs and Serenades from the South