Musicology : Genres & History

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Genres Overview:

These four genres reflect key styles of Judeo-Spanish lyrical poetry and song from the medieval and early modern periods. They range from love poetry to devotional songs, often blending literary elegance with folk elements.

Romancero:

Romancero, akin to the ballad, originated in medieval Spain, often depicting royal intrigue, betrayals, and war captives, though not always tied to Jewish life. Some, however, have biblical themes from Jewish sources. Structurally, it consists of consecutive rhyming lines, with every two forming a repeating musical unit. Passed orally from mother to daughter, Romancero served various roles—accompanying women’s work and functioning as lullabies. Their soothing melodies calmed infants, while engaging narratives held older children’s attention. Often texts traveled between Moroccan and Balkan Jewish communities.

Coplas:

Coplas are a unique Jewish genre that developed after the expulsion from Spain, flourishing mainly in the 18th century. Written my men, this genre deals with social and historical and traditional topics from biblical sources, therefor the abundance of Hebrew words. Coplas have complex literary structures, sometimes including acrostics, rhymes, and repeated choruses. Coplas were printed in booklets dedicated to holidays or other themes.

Cantigas / Cancionero:

Lyrical and life-cycle songs structured in stanzas. Some are sung freely, while others play roles in life rituals, especially the many stages of marriage, including ritual bathing (mikve), dowry, farewell to parents, and the wedding ceremony. Like Romancero, these songs primarily belong to the women’s domain.

20th Century

This 20th-century repertoire includes theatre music and new lyrics set to popular melodies like tangos and local songs. Themes often reflect social trends, such as fashion, or explore immigration to Palestine, highlighting its challenges and hopes.