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Spain is a country that is diverse both musically as well as culturally. The different cultures of Spain have left an indelible mark on the different parts of the country. This has resulted in a mix and variety of styles of Spanish songs in the whole of Spain.
The Celtic peoples from Central-Europe have been settled in Spain from about 1000 BC. Just as certain Celtic cultural and sociological characteristics have survived in all these years in the northwestern parts of Spain a large number of Celtic traditions have also left an impact on the Spanish songs.
Some of the ancient structures of traditional Celtic melody, harmony and rhythm still dominate the traditional Spanish songs of these regions. The instruments used to accompany these Spanish songs also mostly have a very strong influence of the Celtic origins.
The Basques are a set of people who have a strong culture of their own and in fact have an almost unknown origin. In fact they have a language of their own which is of an unknown origin. They also have many ancient traditions and cultural characteristics that still remain.
Similarly their musical traditions also remain and have an impact on the Spanish songs of today. Typically, in Basque music choir singing is very important. The structures of music structures in Basque music are often of an ancient origin.
The Jota-music style has spread over the whole of Spain and has a deep impact on the Spanish songs. The roots for this style of music lie in the region of the southern half of Aragón. Aragón is the birthplace of the Jota style of music.
The Jota style of music is characterized by repeating musical patterns. It also changes in tonality. This style of music is often accompanied by some typical Spanish dances. The Aragonese Jota has a relatively high tempo.
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