Azahara

For those who are new to flamenco music the main problem lies in identifying the confusing variety of styles. Flamencologists classify the forms in a number of ways: gypsy / non-gypsy (gitano / payo), free / rhythmical (libre / a compás), serious / lightweight (jondo / chico), or by family (whichever you choose, you usually get some loose ends). But there is another useful distinction, and that is tonality. In addition to the usual major and minor keys, we encounter frequent use of the Phrygian mode (the Georgian mode based on E), whose plaintive melancholy sound is one of Flamenco’s most striking characteristics.