The History and Evolution of Flamenco Guitar Music
Arts & Entertainment → Books & Music
- Author Brooke Webber, Ii
- Published July 26, 2011
- Word count 557
Without this exchange of musical ideas and the rich cultural influences also transmitted, music would rest compartmentalized. Tethered and bound to one location. One cultural heritage One Historical identity.If this were to be the case, music would not be exposed to a wider audience. Just the region of it's creation. St. Francis' words "Life is a book. If we don't travel, we only see one page" apply equally to Music.
This is especially true in the case of the Spanish Flamenco Guitar and it's music.To fully appreciate the evolution of this instrument, we must travel back in time to Cordoba, Spain. The essential date is 711. Just after the Islamic invasion. Accordingly, Cordoba had became a focal point for Islamic musicians.
The Spanish Flamenco Guitar had it's beginnings in Cordoba during that period. It originated as the Oud, to which a fifth string was added.The musical hybrid that resulted from this cross-pollination was the "Andalucian Nuba." Also known as the "Moorish Guitar."
The European Lute and the Guitar Latina were the next instruments to contribute their unique elements to the continuing developement of the Flamenco Guitar. Centuries later elements of the "Moorish Guitar" were combined with these two instruments. The result was the Vihuela.
In it's most developed form, the Vihuela had six double-strings (paired courses) made of gut. Vihuelas were tuned almost like a modern guitar, with the exception of the third string, which was tuned a semitone lower. Viheula bodies were usually made from cypress, with a spruce or cedar top.
After the creation of the Vihuela, there would be three more stages of evolution necessary to arrive at the Flamenco Guitar. The first descendant of the Vihuela was the Baroque Guitar.It became the precursor to the Classical Guitar. From which the Flamenco Guitar evolved.
Equally, if not more fascinating, is the History of Flamenco guitar music and it's original innovators. As difficult as it obviously is to say with concrete certainty who was most responsible for any style or movement, it is possible to have a general agreement on the people of significant importance.
Three of those people,each of whom created a legacy on which those to follow would build upon, were Ramon Montoya, Sabicas, and Nino Ricardo. Montoya, the son of gypsy cattle traders, was the first to perform solo on the Flamenco guitar. Thus elevating it from it's background role accompanying singers and dancers in cafes - to the concert stage.
"Sabicas" - noted for his amazing technique and flawless sense of rhythm, further refined and evolved Montoya's accomplishments. History also remembers Sabicas as the first guitarist of his genre to introduce genuine Flamenco Music Internationally.
The most sober note in that period's History was sounded with the untimely death from liver failure of Nino Ricardo. "Little" Ricardo, hailed as the foremost guitarist of his day, began his career composing and playing in the bars of his native Seville. Those long years, in those conditions, quite probably contributed to the illness that was to claim him at age 68. Nino's upwardly curving fingernails produced a truly individual tone that other guitarists, try as they did, were unable to duplicate.
So the next time you hear Flamenco Guitar, remember that it is the legacy of these "Flamenco Pioneers" that is the foundation on which today's Flamenco Guitar Music is built.
The author is a rabid fan of flamenco guitar music.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Music And Identity: Exploring The Role Of Music In Shaping Culture And Identity
- Press Release: Embark on an Unforgettable Cosmic Adventure with Super Galactic Fantastic Dimension
- Blast Off into Adventure: 15 Must-Read Science Fiction Books!
- SnapReview of “Roman : Men of the Falls 2” by Melanie Moreland.
- Blast Off into the Exciting Universe of Sci-Fi: 20 Reasons Why We Love It!
- Exploring the Galaxy: What Sets Sci-Fi Apart from Fantasy?
- Exploring Romance in Fantasy and Sci-Fi: What's the Deal with Clean vs. Explicit Romance?
- Unleashing Your Inner Wordsmith: A Guide to Becoming a Great Author in the Fantasy and Science Fiction Genre
- Why I Prefer Character Driven Fantasy and SciFi Books
- Biography of Justin Sharkar
- Beat Swing: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
- How to include God the Father in our daily lives.
- Nurturing the Mind: Exploring “Bedlam in Paris” and the Path to Healthy Mental Escapes
- How Listening To Music Enhances Your Workout
- The Power of Music - Choosing the Right Wedding Entertainment
- What is a good song to say goodbye at a funeral?
- Facebook Video Download for iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide
- About the book titled The Inside of Indian Sculpture.
- Facebook Video Downloader with Link: Your Ultimate Guide
- The Art and Essence of Photography: A Review of Bruce Barnbaum's Books
- Kicking It With Eve Nadel Catarevas, Author of RENA GLICKMAN, QUEEN OF JUDO
- "Windows" by Clyde: A Promising Prelude to the Upcoming "Baby Steps" Project
- Swedish Rapper "ScamGodMillionaire" Sets Japanese Music Scene Ablaze
- 6 acts who nailed the dreaded sophomore album
- A Creative Writer: Breathing life into words
- Vox AI Review - Unleashing the Power of Artificial Intelligence
- From Concrete Jungle to Southern Reign: Tracing the Demise of NY Hip Hop and the Southern Domination in Rap
- The Marvelous World of Cigar Box Guitars: A Testament to Creativity and Musical Ingenuity
- Beyond Hogwarts: Discovering the Diversity of Fantasy Fiction Authors
- Why Does Exploration Fantasy Works The Best?