|
By: Ruth Polak
Flamenco, more commonly termed Sevilliana in Andalucia where it
originated, is a Spanish art form par excellence. It incorporates three levels of expression, cante, the song,
baile, the dance and guitarra, guitar playing. The gypsies of
Spain lay claim to its' creation and certainly they did, and
still do, play an important part but it is easy to see other
influences as well. For instance the popular songs and dances of
Andaluica and of course seven centuries of Muslim occupation
which could not pass without leaving lasting traces in many
walks of life, not least the development of Flamenco. More
recently of course one can see the influence of jazz, salsa and
bosa nova. It is generally agreed that its' origins can be traced back to
the period between 1765 and 1860 when the first Flamenco Schools
were created in Cadiz Triana,(Sevilla) and Jerez de la Frontera. The first mention of
it in literature is in the " Cartas Marruecas of Cadalso in
1774. Early Flamenco dance seems to have been purely vocal
accompanied only by the rhythmical clapping of hands known as
"toque de palmas." The introduction of Flamenco guitar music
followed at a later stage and to a great extent can be
attributed to the influence of composers such as Julian Arcas. The golden age of Flamenco is generally held to be between 1869
and 1910 when it was performed and perfected to its' definitive
art form in the many cafes cantantes, or music cafes, to be
found throughout Andalucia. The more serious form which
expresses deeper feelings, known as cante jondo, dates from that
period as well. The involvement of flamenco guitar also
continued to steadily increase during this period. >From 1910-1955 Flamenco singing under went something of a change
and developed into what became known as "opera flamenca" with an
easier kind of music such as fandangos and cantes de ida y
vuelta. However these changes were not welcomed by the
intellectuals and in 1922 a contest to promote authentic cante
jondo was organized in Granada. 1955 saw a Flamenco Renaissance with the great performer,
Antonio Mairena, as its central figure. During this period some
outstanding soloists made their way out of the cafes cantantes
to the great theatres and concert halls and the Flamenco guitar
player really came into his own and moved from being merely an
accompanist to the dancer to being a great artist in his own
right.Paco de Lucia is one such virtuoso from that period. Mass media and tourism has brought Flamenco to the world stage
but it still remains a deeply intimate type of music and
movement and is still best appreciated with a small group of
friends around midnight somewhere in Andalucia when there is
nothing but the voice, the guitar and the movement of the dancer
in the moonlight. Article submitted by Ruth Polak, the owner of www.costadelsol-vacationrentals.com a site
specializing in holiday apartments and villas on the Costa del
Sol and in Rural Andalucia. You will also find lots of
information about Spain and Andalalucia in particular. About the author:
Flamenco is a Spanish art form par excellence whose origins are
mainly attributed to the gypsies of Andalucia and their need to
express themselves through music and movement.
People searching for the term "Learn To Play Guitar" found this page helpful.
| 
