Flamenco

Flamenco is one of the great European nonacademic musical forms. More than simply a type of folk music, flamenco embodies a complex musical and cultural tradition. Although considered part of the culture of

Flamenco is one of the great European nonacademic musical forms. More than simply a type of folk music, flamenco embodies a complex musical and cultural tradition. Although considered part of the culture of Spain in general, flamenco is really specifically a product and part of the culture of one region in Spain - Andalusia. However, other areas have contributed, mainly Extremadura and Murcia, have contributed to the development of several flamenco musical forms. There are many questions remaining about the roots of flamenco, but it is generally acknowledged that flamenco grew out of the unique interplay of native Andalusians, Islamic, Sephardic, and Gypsy cultures that existed in Andalucia prior to and after the Reconquest.

Once the seeds of flamenco were planted in Andalucia, it grew as a separate subculture, first centered in “baja” (lower) Andalucia, but soon spreading to the rest of Andalucia, incorporating and transforming local folk music forms. Recent research has revealed a major influence of subSaharan African music on flamenco's prehistory. This developed from the music and dance of African slaves held by the Spanish in the New World. We have 16th and 17th century manuscripts of classical compositions from the New World based on New World or perhaps African folk forms, such as "negrillas" and "zerembeques", and "chacons". We also find New World mention and manuscripts of the "fandango indiano". It is almost certain that fandangos are folk forms which originated in Málaga, Spain. The term "indiano" does not refer to Amerindians, but more likely to the "travel" of the music to the New World and then back to Spain.