Famous Flamenco in Spain

One of the greatest attractions in Spain is the Flamenco. It is considered an art and culture rather than a dance or song. It comes in 3 forms: the song or Cante; the dance or Baile; the guitar playing music or Guitarra.

Gypsies are thought to be the original founders of Flamenco with popular Andalusia songs and dances formed. However, the different cultures and influences of various past epochs may have also influenced the Flamenco in Spain.

Historical Flamenco

There are only 200 years of information on the Flamenco’s origins in Spain. Flamenco which comprises the song, dance and guitar music became famous during the 18th century. A lot of flamenco history before then was by word of mouth through generations.

One known fact about the Spanish flamenco is that it did originate in Andalusia; its music and playing instruments were subtly modified through the 8th to 10th centuries under the Arab, Jews and Christian influences.

The gypsies soon turn the flamenco into a hybrid musical art. Flamenco schools soon sprouted up from 1765 to 1860 in Cadiz, Triana and Jerez. The Flamenco dances became famous as they got established in the ballrooms. Many Flamenco performances at first were more vocal with rhythmical hand clapping called the toque de palmas. Innovative composers add on creative guitar playing music to add fullness to the flamenco.

The flamenco became popular in music cafés during the Golden Age; more serious expressive forms came on with a climax soon after at many functions.

New century flamenco

After the Golden age, between 1910 and 1955, the Flamenco was made more famous with the ópera flamenco singing; this was accompanied by soother music like the fandangos. South American influences also set in with cantes de ida y vuelta music choices.

Flamenco presentations were in a greater demand on an international basis after 1915. There was some Flamenco Renaissance in 1955 with the great flamenco performer Antonio Mairena at the lead with outstanding soloists and dancers.

Soon, flamenco made its way to great theatres as well as famous concert houses from the cafés. Many flamenco presentations today use the guitar instead of being an accompaniment or prelude.

Although the mass media played an important role in introducing the Flamenco to the world, this art is still very much an intimate music form which is available in a flamenco party or juerga where a small group might just fill the air with the voice and guitar in south of Spain.