Toná

“Toná” is considered as one of the original flamenco styles. Its origin can be found in the Castilian romances, which Andalusian gypsies adapted as their own, and called them “corríos”.

 

The word "toná" derives from "tune" as "musical accent." It was developed in the 18th century until it became a gypsy singing. Some authors suggest that in the early 19th century there were up to thirty-three different types of “tonás” which were attributed to gypsies from Seville or Jerez. Many of them haven't become part of our folklore and couldn't be identified.

 

Every “toná” follows the same melodic line. They just differentiated by lyrics. Historical texts collect “tonás” in a different personal style: Tio Luis "el de la Juliana", Alonso Pantoja, Blas Barea, and twelve other singers. Currently, just “toná grande”, “toná chica” and “toná del Cristo” are used. Last one has managed to survive thanks to Antonio Chacón and Perico "el del Lunar". Anyway, It is a style less developed by modern artists.

 

“Saeta”, “martinet”,“debla” and singing without accompaniment in general, come directly from the “toná”. It is also possible that "toná" originated "seguiriyas" and "livianas".