September 26, 2025

Flamenco Fridays José Del Tomate

Key Characteristics of the Taranta
  • Origin:
    The style emerged from the folk music of the mining communities in the southeastern Spanish province of Almería. 

  • Cante Libre / Toque Libre:
    This is the defining feature. Unlike other flamenco styles, the taranta does not adhere to a strict rhythmic structure or compás. 

  • Musical Mode:
    Both taranta and the related taranto use a specific musical mode, typically in F-sharp Phrygian. 

  • Dissonance:
    A unique sound is achieved through the combination of this mode and the guitar’s open strings, creating distinctive dissonances. 

  • Lyrics:
    The lyrical structure often features a couplet of four or five eight-syllable verses. 

  • Themes:
    The lyrics frequently reflect the difficult and dangerous conditions of mining life. 

  • Structure:
    The taranta often begins with a vocal or instrumental introduction, establishing the F# tonality, followed by a “temple” where the singer establishes the mode. 

Taranta vs. Taranto
  • Taranta:
    A free-form style (cante libre/toque libre) that allows for great lyrical freedom and does not have a set rhythmic pattern. 

  • Taranto:
    A related style that does have a regular, danceable 2/4 rhythm, making it suitable for dance. 

Variants of the Taranta
  • Cantes Minero-Levantinos: The taranta is a fundamental part of this group of mining songs. 
  • Other Styles: The taranta has influenced other styles, including the media taranta, the taranto, the tarantilla, and the taranta artística. 
  • Regional Variations: Styles like the taranta levantina and the taranta de Linares are specific variations that incorporate longer verses.