Land of musicians
The Baix Empordà has always been and still is a musical hotbed. Over the centuries, music in its many forms has played a special role in the society of the Baix Empordà. A rich tradition has developed, based on popular songs, liturgical music, classical pieces, the traditional sardanes and seafarers’ songs. This diversity is an expression of the character of the region and gives it great dynamism.
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Foto: Museu de la Mediterrània
Music throughout the Baix Empordà
The first musical manifestations are linked to the religious sphere and, since then, they have evolved as the society of Baix Empordà has done, adapting to their customs and traditions. Couples, orchestras, choirs, tavern songs, habaneras and, more recently, rock, jazz and pop concerts and festivals … Music, in all its manifestations, becomes a distinctive feature of our people and their peoples. reaching every corner of the county.
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Photo: Associació Sardanista Continuïtat
Sardanes and cobles
The squares of villages, towns and cities are the natural home of the sardana, the national dance of Catalonia, the origins of which are lost in time. Like every popular form of expression, it has evolved over time and with the intervention of people such as Pep Ventura, from Figueres, who gave it prestige and musical wealth. Juli Garreta, a composer from Sant Feliu de Guíxols, also contributed his own style to it during the years of modernism. Enric Morera was regarded as a composer of great quality and he wrote a number of sardanes, including one of the best known ones, L’Empordà, of 1908 which was inspired by a poem by Joan Maragall.
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Photo: Antonio Torres. IPEP
Habaneras and tavern songs
Tinged with the nostalgia that indianos, people who had moved to the Americas, felt for Cuba after returning to Catalonia, habaneras are the result of the cultural mixture of the Caribbean and they have laid down deep roots on the Costa Brava, where they were added to the tradition of the tavern song. As well as offering food and drink for sailors, the taverns are a space for popular creativity.
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Photo: Pere Duran. Arxiu Imatges PTCBG
Festivals
Throughout the year, the bustle of festivals can be heard all through the region. Since long ago, the people of the Baix Empordà have been coming together to play and enjoy music, but in recent decades, a circuit has developed that makes it possible to see everyone from local artists to big names in international music perform live.
