In which region of Spain did the hot dance originate? Its features and varieties

Before the greatest Russian composerGlinka wrote his colorful orchestral play "Aragon Jota", he had to very carefully study all the traditions of the Spanish folk song and dance during his visit to this country. But listening to this work, you involuntarily ask yourself a question: in what region of Spain did the Jota dance originate?

The emergence of dance

Despite the fact that the first example of this dance, which reached our times, dates back to the end of the eighteenth century, it itself appeared much earlier. This is still a national dance.

Homeland dance hota - North of Spain, the provinceAragon. The name itself means "leap." This movement is the main one. It is believed that the jota originated from ancient hymns, meaning in those days both dance and song. The opportunity to dance was also presented at processions and funerals, seeing off the deceased on the last journey.

Until now, jota is a popular danceonly in its historic homeland, but also in other countries. Some peoples adopted it, making their own changes. And today hotu is performed at various festivals and social events. And some European composers included it in their music.

Essence of dance

During the dance (and it does not depend on whichJota was born in the Spanish region. Songs are performed, the themes of which are very wide: from religion and patriotism to marriage, love and sexual exploits. They are designed to rally the community, as well as to awaken the sense of national identity of the people. That is why the jota dance is performed at all significant celebrations in the life of every person.

Initially it was very difficult forexecution. This is a very beautiful dance accompanied by castanets, where performers are dressed in national costumes, and women and men usually dance in pairs. In the classical representation, the hota resembles a theatrical production with extravagant costumes, which is not used in everyday life.

Dance steps are similar to waltz, but they have a large number of changes. And the size of 6/8 is ideally suited to the choreographic and poetic structure of the jota.

Varieties hotas

Despite the majority Iberian originresidents of Aragon, on their culture had a considerable influence Moorish traditions. Therefore, regardless of which region of Spain the Jota dance originated in, each of its types has slight differences.

For example, Jota Alcaniz is a relatively fast dance with leaps, greetings, jumps, beats or batudas of the legs during jumps.

Albalate is different in pace, which is much moreslower, and there is no such variety of movements. The most popular and famous of all is Jota from Zaragoza. In this species, there is a variety of tempos, steps and shapes. The Spanish Jota dance from Andorra and Calanda has a majestic character. In the Valencian style of dance, after a slow start, speed is gradually gained. Hotas from Huesca has an influence of French dance culture. Here are some fun steps and choreographic steps. The dance of the wine harvest is Jota de la Vendimia. Such a dance can be accompanied by percussion instruments, as well as bandurria or guitar.

The people of this country are proud of their dancing art no matter what region of Spain the hota dance originated in.

"Aragon Jota"

At the end of the first half of the nineteenth centuryRussian composer Glinka decided to go on a trip to Spain. There he made horseback rides around the neighborhoods of the cities he visited and studied the culture of the country, its folk art. An indelible impression on the composer was made by the performance of one of the merchants on the guitar of the Aragonese Jota with variations.

Glinka remembered everything, and some time latercreated a play that was called Capriccio brilliante. Later, at the insistence of a friend of the composer, she began to wear the name “Spanish Capriccio”. But the world popularity of the work acquired under the name "Aragon Jota".

Music "Aragon Jota"

The production opens solemnly,majestic entry with contrasting sound. Further in the main section there is a very bright topic. First, it is performed on pizzicato strings and harps, and then appears to the listener as brighter and more cheerful.

Then this topic is replaced by another, more melodic andexpressive performed by wood brass. These melodies alternate and thus prepare the appearance of another theme that resembles a tune on the mandolin. She is joking, graceful and graceful.

While developing, these melodies add severity and drama to the work. But at the end of the picture of national fun, all the topics are intonationally close and solemn.

Groping for future melody in interruptedpauses motives, sounds "Night in Madrid." Gradually, this theme emerges, acquires flexibility and grace. As if continuing the first one, a second melody close in character appears. Further they repeat, intertwining and varying. At the same time, a picture of a warm and fragrant southern night appears before my eyes.