The most important flamenco singers in history.
May 23, 2023
The gypsy zambras of Sacromonte
June 23, 2023Between reality and myth there are many stories that surround flamenco, and this art, the result of the crossbreeding of different cultures and the influence of different musical and expressive forms, is a whole world worth exploring.
Flamenco, a musical genre centuries old and with scarce information in certain historical periods, has evolved over the years giving rise to a large number of curiosities. Many of these curiosities are as unusual as they are true. Here are eight of the most interesting ones. Did you know them?
The 8 most fascinating curiosities of flamenco.
Flamenco Curiosities
- The origin of the term 'flamenco' is unknown
- Influences from more than ten different musical styles
- Traditional flamenco performers were not professionals
- Strong international presence
- Rejected by intellectuals The Generation of '98
- Attracted to the intellectuals of the Generation of '27
- Flamenco nicknames, a great source of ingenuity
- Guitarists who play by ear
The origin of the term 'flamenco' is unknown
The origin of the word 'flamenco' remains a mystery. Although there have been numerous theories about it, none of them has been conclusively supported, or there is not enough data to affirm it. One of the most widespread theories, despite the objections of some scholars, is the one proposed by Blas Infante in his book 'Orígenes del flamenco'. According to this theory, the term would come from 'Felah-mengus', which means "wandering peasant" in Arabic. Others relate it to the ancient region of Flanders. There are also those who think that the gachós (non-gypsies) called gypsies 'flamencos', without clearly explaining the origin of this term. In addition, some believe that it comes from the slang used in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries to refer to anything ostentatious, pretentious or boastful. So far, nothing has been clarified.
Influences from more than ten different musical styles
Flamenco draws from diverse musical sources, including Sephardic music and gypsy folklore as two of its fundamental roots, in addition to Moorish music. The influence of Castilian music is also reflected in many of its lyrics, as well as Andalusian folklore. Latin sounds have been incorporated, as can be appreciated in various flamenco palos called de ida y vuelta, such as the guajira, the rumba, the vidalita or the habanera. In addition, Galician and Asturian popular music has left its mark on flamenco, as can be seen in some flamenco palos such as the farruca, the montañesa and the praviana. Even the songs related to farm work have their place in flamenco. This amalgam of influences has given rise to a style of singing that is never completely defined and continues to interact with other currents and styles, such as bolero, jazz, blues, rock or electronic music. Flamenco appropriates and transforms everything it touches.
Traditional flamenco performers were not professionals
Most of the great flamenco artists of past eras were not professionals, or at least not professional in the strict sense, but had other occupations to make a living. Before the professionalization that came with the rise of the tablaos, flamenco did not enjoy a recognized status. It was thanks to outstanding figures such as La Niña de los Peines or Antonio Chacón that this art was able to advance and gain recognition. For example, Tío Luis de la Juliana, considered the first flamenco singer of all time, was a water carrier. After him, there followed a large number of artists of enormous influence who did not dedicate themselves exclusively to singing, but had other occupations, such as selling and repairing shoes, trading, fishing, forging, among others.
Strong international presence
Flamenco has a strong presence in many parts of the world. For example, the most prestigious theaters in New York include flamenco in their programming, from the most purist to the most avant-garde. Japan, another curious example, has an unparalleled love of flamenco, with important flamenco tablaos in Japan where both local artists perform, as well as other flamenco artists who travel from Spain to perform there. Many marriages between Spaniards and Japanese have even arisen as a result of flamenco.
In recent decades, the richness of flamenco has found its place in the coliseums of the most important cities in the world, and this art transmits from the deepest, through the guitar playing, singing or dancing flamenco.
Rejected by intellectuals The Generation of '98
With the exception of the Machado brothers and Álvarez Quintero, the so-called generation of '98, made up of intellectuals such as Unamuno, Valle Inclán and Ángel Ganivet, cultivated an anti-flamenco sentiment. They associated the existence of this music, as well as other popular Andalusian customs, with the decadence of the country. Flamenco was accused of being responsible for all the country's ills: loss of values, labor disorder, excessive partying and primitivism, and was even considered the worst thing in Europe!
Attracted to the intellectuals of the Generation of '27
Later, the Generation of '27 arrived, which admired and took flamenco as an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Prominent names such as Federico García Lorca or Alberti stood out in this aspect. We should also mention Fernando Villalón, Edgar Neville, as well as personalities such as Picasso and Hemingway. We must remember that the 1922 Cante Jondo Contest was created by intellectuals, and it was attended by numerous personalities from the world of art and culture. This generation marked a before and after in the perception of flamenco worldwide.
Flamenco nicknames, a great source of ingenuity
The very context in which flamenco takes place, full of eloquence and popular grace, has given rise to numerous amusing nicknames. For example, Gordito de Triana was known for being extremely thin, while La Contrahecha, an icon of the uncovering in the 1970s, was a real beauty. In the field of cante, figures such as Camarón and El Cigala are recognized. There are also nicknames that are not necessarily insults, as in the case of El Capullo de Jerez, whose name refers to a flower that has not bloomed. On the other hand, some nicknames could be considered insulting, such as El Loco Mateo or La Chunga. Finally, there are nicknames that are merely descriptive, such as Enrique El Cojo, Chocolate, Luis El Elegante and El Guapo de Jerez. In short, creativity and ingenuity are present in the world of flamenco nicknames.
Guitarists who play by ear
Paco de Lucía, the maximum reference of the flamenco guitar, did not know how to read music on the stave. For this reason, he had to memorize the entire 'Concierto de Aranjuez' before performing it, as did one of his outstanding disciples, Tomatito. Oral tradition plays a transcendental role in the formation of flamenco artists. Some of them are masters and others, authentic geniuses. However, in the early flamenco tradition, it was not common to study sheet music, so they developed their careers in conditions that are unique to flamenco. Flamenco is a complex art that often transcends written notes. Today, the situation has changed and most, if not all, are concerned with training in the theoretical aspect of the music.
