Viva El Pasodoble
Rocío Jurado
The Passion and Pageantry of 'Viva El Pasodoble'
The song 'Viva El Pasodoble' by Rocío Jurado is a vibrant homage to the traditional Spanish bullfighting festival and the pasodoble music that accompanies it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the bullfighting arena, filled with the excitement and anticipation of the crowd, the matadors with their capes, and the dramatic entrance of the bull. The pasodoble is a dance that often mimics the movements of a bullfight, and this song celebrates the dance and the cultural spectacle it represents.
Rocío Jurado, known for her powerful voice and emotive performances, delivers the song with a passion that mirrors the intensity of a bullfight. The lyrics mention the 'oro, plata, sombra y sol' (gold, silver, shadow, and sun), which are elements that symbolize the grandeur and contrasting aspects of the bullfighting tradition. The song also highlights the skill and artistry of the bullfighters, from the 'chicuelinas' and 'verónicas' (types of bullfighting passes) to the picador's noble fight on horseback. The music that plays as the bull and the matador move together is a testament to the dance-like quality of the bullfight.
Ultimately, 'Viva El Pasodoble' is a celebration of Spanish culture and the bullfighting tradition. It acknowledges the tragic elements of the spectacle but chooses to focus on the pageantry, bravery, and artistry involved. The song is a tribute to the enduring spirit of the Spanish people and their cultural heritage, encapsulated in the lively rhythms of the pasodoble.