About Flamenco

Written descriptions of Flamenco as a bona fide genre of Spanish music date back to the 18th century, when it made its first appearances in taverns and cafés. But Flamenco, the music of Spain's Gitanos (Gypsies) for centuries, has deeper roots reaching back to the 15th century--the time of Ferdinand and Isabella's completion of the Reconquest of Spain and the defeat of the Moorish kingdom of Granada in Andalusia.

At that time, Moors, Jews, and Gitanos alike were officially exiled, consequently forming fringe communities outside of Spain's mainstream society; over time, their musical customs combined, and what emerged were songs of deep sorrow, longing and passion--much akin to the rise of America's Delta Blues. Today, musical elements of Arabic, Gypsy, and Jewish origin can be heard and seen in the "pure" forms of Flamenco music and dance, including the Soleares, Seguiriyas, and Peteneras as well as the most venerable of all, the cante jondo (deep song). Later additions to Flamenco's family of over 50 palos (styles) include other musical traditions of Andalusia such as Sevillanas and Malagueñas, as well as the Rumbas and Guajiras of Latin American and Cuban origin--the so-called "Ida y Vuelta" styles that came to the New World in colonial times and returned to Spain as distinctly new forms centuries later.

Flamenco guitar as a solo performance art is a recent trend, beginning in the 20th century with such masters as Ramón Montoya--considered by many to be the father of modern Flamenco guitar. Initially, Flamenco consisted of song and dance; later, perhaps in the 17th century, the guitar was added to provide a more rhythmic backdrop. By the 19th century, garish Flamenco shows were commonplace in Flamenco cafés. And while it is known that Gaspar Sanz, the great master of Baroque guitar, was influenced by the diverse folk musical traditions of Spain--possibly including Flamenco--the art suffered a spotted history outside of Andalusia. Only in the 20th century did it achieve widespread acceptance.

While certain regions of Andalusia (Sevilla, Jerez de la Frontera, Almeria, etc.) still claim to be the true homes of Flamenco, it has found worldwide appeal, and Flamenco traditions are well-established in South America, Mexico, and the Southwestern United States. Even Japan boasts a number of Flamenco enthusiasts. With its rich multicultural appeal and its singular passion, that comes as no surprise.