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Flamenco is one of the great European nonacademic musical forms. More than simply a type of folk music, flamenco embodies a complex musical and cultural tradition. Although considered part of the culture of Spain in general, flamenco is really specifically a product and part of the culture of one region in Spain - Andalusia.
There are many questions remaining about the roots of flamenco, but it is generally acknowledged that flamenco grew out of the unique interplay of native Andalusians, Islamic, Sephardic, and Gypsy cultures that existed in Andalusia prior to and after the reconquest.
Flamenco sprang from the lower levels of Andalusia society, and thus lacked the prestige of art forms among the middle and higher classes. Flamenco music also slipped in and out of fashion several times during its existence. Many of the songs in flamenco still reflect the spirit of desperation, struggle, hope, and pride of the people during this time of persecution.
The Moors, the Gitanos and the Jews were all persecuted and expelled by the Spanish inquisition at various points in time.
The Gitanos have been fundamental in maintaining this art form, but they have an oral culture. Their folk songs were passed on to new generations by repeated performances in their social community. The non-gypsy Andalusian poorer classes, in general, were also illiterate
New flamenco always respects its central concept of rhythm, complemented by dance, music or voice (or all or some combination there of). The flamenco guitar plays a sentinel role in aiding flamenco. It is sometimes joined by violin, flute, and bass. It is said that the person playing the instrument is flamenco, not the instrument itself. The expression of a variety of tonalities is possible, sometimes assimilating from other genres such as jazz, Classical music and blues and others, yet trying never to lose focus on flamenco and its character. As according to the principles above, the full essence of "new flamenco" may be fully expressed without a guitar being played. This provides a great contrast within new flamenco. No matter how "new" the flamenco, it will never violate its own “compas”, “cante” or “baile”.
If you want to discover how fascinating ot cam be, we are waiting for you!!!
Virginia (Spanish volunteer in Passage-Zebra)
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