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Flamenco
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Flamenco

Flamenco: A Deep Musical Expression

The Essence of Flamenco

  • Flamenco is a profound musical expression that embodies prayer, singing, and crying simultaneously, representing the emotional depth typical of southern Spain.
  • The cultural roots of flamenco trace back to various civilizations including Greeks, Romans, Christians, Jews, and Muslims, evolving through centuries of dialogue and fusion on the Iberian Peninsula.
  • By the late 18th century, flamenco was significantly influenced by the vibrant culture of gypsies in Spain.

Cultural Significance

  • For millions living in regions like Murcia and Andalusia, flamenco transcends music; it encapsulates their memories and identity.
  • Flamenco serves as a soundtrack for life events—lullabies for children, work songs for laborers, wedding celebrations, and expressions of loneliness or joy.

Work Songs and Community

  • Throughout history, humans have sung while working to ease labor; flamenco includes powerful work-related songs that resonate with various professions such as mining and agriculture.
  • Different styles of flamenco reflect specific activities that have shaped its evolution over time.

Personal Expression in Flamenco

  • The essence of flamenco lies in personal interpretation; singers and dancers must infuse their performances with individuality to gain recognition.
  • The flamenco guitar has evolved from an accompaniment role to a prominent instrument recognized globally due to contributions from skilled guitarists.

Dance Dynamics

  • Flamenco dance uniquely combines grounded footwork with weightless arm movements symbolizing a quest for freedom between earth and sky.
Channel: UNESCO
Video description

UNESCO: Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity - 2010 URL: http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/RL/00363 Description: Flamenco is an artistic expression fusing song ''(cante),'' dance ''(baile)'' and musicianship ''(toque).'' Andalusia in southern Spain is the heartland of Flamenco, although it also has roots in regions such as Murcia and Extremadura. ''Cante'' is the vocal expression of flamenco, sung by men and women, preferably seated, with no backing singers. The gamut of feelings and states of mind -- grief, joy, tragedy, rejoicing and fear -- can be expressed through sincere, expressive lyrics characterized by brevity and simplicity. Flamenco ''baile'' is a dance of passion, courtship, expressing a wide range of situations ranging from sadness to joy. The technique is complex, differing depending on whether the performer is male (heavier use of the feet) or female (gentler, more sensual movements). ''Toque'' or the art of guitar playing has long surpassed its original role as accompaniment. Other instruments, including castanets, hand-clapping and foot-stamping are also employed. Flamenco is performed during religious festivals, rituals, church ceremonies and at private celebrations. It is the badge of identity of numerous communities and groups, in particular the Gitano (Roma) ethnic community, which has played an essential role in its development. Transmission occurs through dynasties, families, social groups and Flamenco clubs, all of which play a key role in its preservation and dissemination. Country(ies): Spain © 2009 Agence Andalouse pour le Développement du Flamenco Duration: 00:10:06 - Support: DVD (0036300010)