Malaguenas developed as an offshoot of the Fandangos. Their coplas include a wide range of story material, ranging from intense tragedies to freewheeling good humor. The name ‘Malaguena’ comes from the city, Malaga, from whence the form appeared. Because the feeling evoked by the Malaguena lies halfway between seriousness and lightness, it has been dubbed a Cante Intermedio, since it is ‘inter medio,’ halfway between the Jondo and the Chico.
A talented singer can perform Malaguenas as an intensely emotional style that evokes the Jondo, infusing it with an aire that nearly matches the feverish pitch of Soleares. There are, however, lighter styles of Malaguenas which celebrate the joys of country living.
Many of the Flamenco cantes performed today actually date back to the end of the last century. Outstanding malagueneros have spearheaded their development from their origin in simple country melodies, to the range of diverse styles found in the Malaguenas today.