The musical soundtrack for the ordinary people of Spain at the turn of the 18th- century, was the tonadilla. It acted as the gossip column of the day whilst attracting the leading composers of the age, powerfully catching the mood of the times and making household names of its star singers [or Enlightenment pop heroes, even]. Starting off as short intermezzos performed during the intervals of theatre plays, the tonadillas evolved into mini operas, reflecting in a critically humorous manner the trials and tribulations as well as the joys of everyday life as seen through a whole host of memorable traditional Spanish characters. Directing El Concierto Español, Emilio Moreno expertly captures the spirit of the characterful musical maze that is populated by the fandango, zorongo, caballo, jopeo and especially the tirana - the bustling, vigorous Spanish dance form which brought crowds into the theatres for performance after performance.