by Angilina

Created on: July 26, 2009

Brief Introduction:

Flamenco is one of the most popular and characteristic feature in Spanish culture. The word Flamenco is a tripartite art, involving singing; the song is called as Cante, dancing named as Baile and Guitarra the use of guitar, all being used simultaneously.

There are many different types of pieces within flemanco, all having their generic names like, seguiriyas, soleares, alegras, malaguenas, fandangos, zapateado, rondena and many more.Each one of them has a mood and rhythm. Flamenco dancing is characterized by colorful costumes, intense movements, stamping of the feet (zapateado), and clapping of the hands (palmada).

History:

The origin of Flamenco is thought to be the mixture of at least four cultures as; Gypsies, Moors or Arabs, Jews, and the Andalusians. It has been considered to be originated particularly from one of the Spain's province- the Andalusia.

Between 1765 and 1860, the first Flamenco schools were created by Cadiz, where the dance started to have a firm position in ball room dances. Early Flamenco is thought to be purely vocal, with the clapping of hands, toque de palms.

Then during 1869-1910, the definitive form of Flamenco was developed in the caf's (caf cantantes). From 1910-1955, Flamenco singing came in the form of opera Flamenca. From then, the Flamenco was developed all over the world.

Flamenco music:

Flamenco music is believed to be originated in the early 19th century from canto hondo(deep song) of Andalusia, accompanied by a guitar.Flamenco music is characterized by a particular body of song, dance and guitar music. The Flamenco song is based on a particular group of modes with Phrygian characteristics.

The accompaniment is usually played on a guitar taking three styles; rasgueado (strumming), paseo (lively melodious passage work) and falsetas (improvised interludes).

Forms of Flamenco Expression:

Flamenco is expressed through the toque, the playing of Flamenco guitar, the cante (singing), and the baile (dancing).

Toque:

The first Flamenco guitars are believed to be originated in Spain around 15th century. The traditional Flamenco guitar is made up of Spanish cypress and spruce. It is lighter and smaller in size than a classical guitar. It gives a more sharp sound.

Cante:

Cante is often called as the heart of Flamenco. The verses of these songs are really beautiful. Flamenco song can be categorized in number of ways as, Solea, Siguiriya, Tango and Fandango.

Baile:

EI Baile is a highly expressive form of Flamenco solo

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