Aire, a Spanish word that means ‘air’ or ‘atmosphere,’ is the emotional atmosphere that a Flamenco performance generates. Aire depends on the form and tempo of the toque, as well as the personal idiom and style of the performer. In this way, two guitarists can play the very same piece of music, but express two very different kinds of aire. That magic ingredient which gives Flamenco its essential flavor, aire reaches beyond its compas to impact the listener’s heart.
In the Cante Jondo (‘deep song’) or the Cante Grande (‘great song’) the aire is profound, often tragic, evoking deep sorrow. On the other hand, the carefree Cante Chico (‘little song’) brings forth intense, freewheeling joy in those who hear it. More than just the toque’s form determines whether a song’s aire is classified as Jondo or Chico. For some toques, the difference is clear: Seguiriyas, for example, would obviously be classified as Jondo. For many, though, classification depends on the spirit with which the music is performed. Malaguenas, for example, can be movingly Jondo or carefree and Chico in style. The gypsy (Gitano) aire tends to be dissonantly Oriental, full of irony, passion; being cut (‘cortado’’) by abrupt starts and stops, all within the overarching steady beat of the compas. The aire of the Cante Andaluz, whose inspiration came from the folk-songs of Andalusia, is more open and lighthearted, flowing with melody.