A lively, tuneful form of Andalusian folk music, Sevillanas have been influenced profoundly by Flamenco music, eventually becoming a part of the Flamenco repertoire. Their origins lie in the seguidillas manchegas of Castile. The form itself, incidentally, has no correlation with the Flamenco Seguiriyas. Sevillanas exist today in diverse forms, some in song, others in dance, still others which are played on the guitar. A popular form throughout the Andalusian region, Sevillanas are still being composed, many with original melodies and verses. A strongly rhythmic compas characterizes all Sevillanas.
Sevillanas have a spirit, or ‘aire,’ full of exuberance and joyous ‘alegria.’ There are some, however, which have a more somber character. Sevillanas that are composed in the Phrygian mode are full of Flamenco character, but others have melodies in major or minor keys. Those Sevillanas sound more like other kinds of Spanish folk music. Usually, Sevillanas have a brisk pace. Some, however, the more somber coplas, are slower and more deliberate in character.
Sevilla’s annual spring fair, the ‘Feria,’ is the ideal time to hear the most joyful Sevillanas. People wearing traditional costumes flock to the streets, assemble around the casetas, and enjoy the Sevillanas, performed in both song and dance. Pilgrims taking part in the Romeria del Rocio on its yearly procession from Sanlucar de Barameda to Sevilla will be blessed by hearing many kinds of Sevillanas, especially those of a more serious tone.