Welcome to one of the most active flamenco sites on the Internet. Guests can read most posts but if you want to participate click here to register.
This site is dedicated to the memory of Paco de Lucía, Ron Mitchell, Guy Williams, Linda Elvira, Philip John Lee, Craig Eros, Ben Woods, David Serva and Tom Blackshear who went ahead of us.
We receive 12,200 visitors a month from 200 countries and 1.7 million page impressions a year. To advertise on this site please contact us.
Dear all, I am a newby in here. I read a few posts and it's a great site. I am currently doing a PhD in ethnomusicology on one aspect of flamenco (more info to come in another post) and I was looking for one or more books that explain flamenco music theory and structure exhaustively. I was wondering what are the people's favourites here. English, Spanish, Italian and French work for me. Thanks!
Posts: 21
Joined: Jan. 10 2016
From: Vina del Mar, Chile via San Francisco, CA
RE: Flamenco Theory/Structure books (in reply to cavez)
Hello cavez,
"Song of the Outcasts" written by Robin Totton has a 71-page chapter that analyzes the compas (rhythm), modal structure (scales) and gives some examples of the coplas (verses) associated with most of the flamenco palos (song forms). If I read your post correctly, this might be the sort of thing you are looking for.
RE: Flamenco Theory/Structure books (in reply to cavez)
A few years ago, I read parts of José Blas Vega's Dicionario enciclopedico del flamenco. It's a goldmine of information, including on some aspects of theory. The downside is that it is incredibly expensive! Perhaps a second-hand version of it is out there somewhere.
On the free-of-charge side, there is the website: flamencopolis.com which I find to be thorough.
To be honest, I'll also be interested in seeing what kind of replies you get, because most of the theory I've learned is from flamenco guitar methods or treatices that focus mainly on the practical applications and not so much on the underlying theory.
_____________________________
"Anything you do can be fixed. What you cannot fix is the perfection of a blank page. What you cannot fix is that pristine, unsullied whiteness of a screen or a page with nothing on it—because there’s nothing there to fix."
RE: Flamenco Theory/Structure books (in reply to cavez)
I don't think anyone has done an "exhaustive" book. There's so many exceptions to rules and indescribable "yo no se que" that would make it nearly impossible.
Posts: 1809
Joined: Nov. 8 2010
From: London (living in the Bay Area)
RE: Flamenco Theory/Structure books (in reply to cavez)
quote:
I was looking for one or more books that explain flamenco music theory and structure exhaustively.
Exhaustive would be a life’s work, not least because it would have to cover the guitar, dance, cante and jaleo in depth. How much do you know already? If you’re familiar with standard music theory that will be a big help; otherwise, the explanations in even the best books may be beyond you until you learn it.
Any good, through guitar tutor will give you the basics; but in my opinion, there aren’t that many. The ones I usually recommend are:
Posts: 1809
Joined: Nov. 8 2010
From: London (living in the Bay Area)
RE: Flamenco Theory/Structure books (in reply to cavez)
quote:
I am currently doing a PhD in ethnomusicology
My first (and only) experience as an ethnomusicological topic was when I was sent a book by William Washabaugh to review for Classical Guitar magazine. I contacted Dr Washabaugh, and he seems a friendly and helpful bloke, besides knowing a very great deal about the subject; but as far as I can make out, the discipline as a whole seems to suffer from the syndrome described here by Noam Chomsky:
Please correct me if I’m wrong.
I afterwards posted the review I wrote on Amazon, if you have any interest:
Flamenco-Music-National-Identity-Spain/dp/1409434842/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1455641668&sr=1-3&keywords=william+washabaugh+flamenco">Flamenco Music and National Identity in Spain
Posts: 1596
Joined: Dec. 24 2007
From: Siegburg, Alemania
RE: Flamenco Theory/Structure books (in reply to cavez)
quote:
José Blas Vega's Dicionario enciclopedico del flamenco
is good. Lola Fernandez doesn't give much background information imo
Here're some books that might prove helpful: Manuel Ríos Ruiz "El Gran Libro Del Flamenco- Historia:Estilos:Intérpretes, 2 Vol. Madrid :Calambur, 2002, ISBN 84-88015-95-x
Philippe Donnier "El Duende tiene que ser Matematico", Cordoba:Virgilio Marquez,1985, ISBN 84-86090-06-7
Bernard Leblon "El cante Flamenco entre las musicas Gitanas y las tradiciones Andaluzas" Madrid:Cinterco, 1991, ISBN 84-86365-34-1
Gerhard Steingress "Sociología del cante flamenco", Sevilla:Signatura Ediciones de Andalucia, 2005, ISBN 84-96210-38-3
German Herrero "De Jerez a Nueva Orleans - Analysis comparativo del flamenco y del jazz", Granada: Don Quijote, 1989, ISBN 84-85933-77-x
Oh, and you joined more than 5 years ago, so you're not really a "newbie", are you
RE: Flamenco Theory/Structure books (in reply to edguerin)
edguerin,
do you feel the Dicionario enciclopedico del flamenco is worth the money? I've been thinking about it for a while but the going rate for a new edition is around 400 EUR where I'm at. I got to read parts of it for a few hours a while back and it did seem like it was all there but man that's steep as prices go! Could buy a "beach guitar" for that price
_____________________________
"Anything you do can be fixed. What you cannot fix is the perfection of a blank page. What you cannot fix is that pristine, unsullied whiteness of a screen or a page with nothing on it—because there’s nothing there to fix."
Posts: 15242
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
RE: Flamenco Theory/Structure books (in reply to cavez)
quote:
ORIGINAL: cavez
Dear all, I am a newby in here. I read a few posts and it's a great site. I am currently doing a PhD in ethnomusicology on one aspect of flamenco (more info to come in another post) and I was looking for one or more books that explain flamenco music theory and structure exhaustively. I was wondering what are the people's favourites here. English, Spanish, Italian and French work for me. Thanks!
My personal thoughts on this topic are often controversial and I find myself in arguments online and with colleagues about this. The vast majority of what I read on the subject I am in disagreement with, and for that reason I admit I have not investigated too deeply the available literature. Most writers seem to me either don't really know western theory, or they don't really know flamenco yet cant' help but make comparisons. I am happy to give my thoughts if you want em or cant' find em in searches done here.
I admit I did come across ONE article written in Guitar Review 1976 by a CAROL WHITNEY on the subject. It was very concise and specific and jived 100% with my thoughts on the subject. It was a surprise to me as how old the article was and as I have never heard about the author before or since. The transcriptions made and analyzed in the article were 3 examples of Solea Alcala by Talega, and Joselero, which tells me the author was probably a MORONY (Donn Pohren's infamous American hippie flamenco ranch where they idol worshipped Diego del Gastor and Co. While lamenting the gone good ol days). But for me the language and descriptions were spot on with how I think about this stuff. Here is a copy: http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=848510815&searchurl=tn%3Dguitar%2520review
Can't find anything more done by the author unfortunately. The only other writer I tend to point to that makes short theory descriptions and puts details of playing into historical context is Alain Faucher in the prefaces of this transcription books. Though it is guitar centric, it is also spot on and detailed. Notable that with modern players he does away completely with the BS JAZZ FUSION junk popular cliche generalizations and gets at the true nitty gritty of flamenco guitar evolution with specifics.
RE: Flamenco Theory/Structure books (in reply to edguerin)
Thanks! those prices make way more sense to me!
_____________________________
"Anything you do can be fixed. What you cannot fix is the perfection of a blank page. What you cannot fix is that pristine, unsullied whiteness of a screen or a page with nothing on it—because there’s nothing there to fix."
RE: Flamenco Theory/Structure books (in reply to cavez)
I forgot to mention Manuel Granados's theory books which are not too shabby and available for free (PDF) on his site (scroll down to the bottom of the page). Cheers,
_____________________________
"Anything you do can be fixed. What you cannot fix is the perfection of a blank page. What you cannot fix is that pristine, unsullied whiteness of a screen or a page with nothing on it—because there’s nothing there to fix."
RE: Flamenco Theory/Structure books (in reply to cavez)
Hi guys, thanks so much! I should have a bit clearer. I was talking more about music theory books rather than history/sociology/anthropology. I am already coming to terms with Washabaugh's work, Steingress and others. The work of Granado (though more focused on guitar perhaps) is useful. I know about F.Nuñez and I forgot about flamencopolis ( I have his comprende el flamenco also). Really good site! "modal improvisation and melodic construction" sounds interesting and also N. Torres. If anyone knows if they're available online (even a sample to see if it's what I need before I purchase, it would be appreciated). I will have a look at Flamenco music theory by Lola Fernandez. I have been looking for flamenco de la a a la z but I could only find it on Amazon for +or- €1,500 needless to say it stayed there. I couldn't find the Dicionario enciclopedico del flamenco for under €400 anywhere. edguerin, you're right, I signed up ages ago but completely forgot... so I am technically a newby although, technically I'm not :) Paul Magnussen: you're right on the academic world. I always think of a quote attributed to Woody Guthrie or Einstein (it depends on the source), which goes something like "every idiot can do something complicated, it takes a genius to reach simplicity" and I agree with it, though sometimes it's difficult to explain difficult concepts in simple terms. What I like about ethnomusicology is that, in a nutshell, looks at the reasons why we play and enjoy music as well as the way in which music and society shape each other. I just think they are topics worth investigating. Online communities like this are great examples. How and why we share flamenco as a common interest coming from completely different places and demographic. Anyway, I'll shut myself up otherwise I'll go on forever. :) Thanks again!
This is crazy...the prices range from 36 to 1200 euros for the exact same book...
_____________________________
"Anything you do can be fixed. What you cannot fix is the perfection of a blank page. What you cannot fix is that pristine, unsullied whiteness of a screen or a page with nothing on it—because there’s nothing there to fix."
This is crazy...the prices range from 36 to 1200 euros for the exact same book...
Amazon and Ebay have been like this for a while. Someone found my CD for sale in Japan for $400 or something crazy. Some one must have bought it cuz now there is only one for $105! LOL You have to put things in perspective.
Posts: 233
Joined: Apr. 7 2005
From: Adelaide, Australia
RE: Flamenco Theory/Structure books (in reply to cavez)
I have the Norberto Torres book "Historia de la guitarra flamenca: el surco, el ritmo y el compás", not sure if that's the one Frijolito was referring to, it's very good I thought and very comprehensive. A great history that focuses on theoretical and formal aspects of the music and they way they have changed is:
"Historia Musical del Flamenco" by María Jesús Castro (Barcelona: Casa Beethoven Publicaciones, 2007)
A paper that discusses the way harmony was integrated into flamenco in the accompaniment of cante is:
"Modal harmony in Andalusian, Eastern European, and Turkish syncretic musics" by Peter Manuel, 1989, in Yearbook for Traditional Music. 21:70-94
If you are a postgrad student, you should be able to get your university to get an inter-library loan for any books you can't get a hold of.
Posts: 219
Joined: Jun. 22 2012
From: Seattle, USA
RE: Flamenco Theory/Structure books (in reply to aloysius)
quote:
If you are a postgrad student, you should be able to get your university to get an inter-library loan for any books you can't get a hold of.
You know, when I read the initial post, that was the first thing I thought. Everyone's talking about paying 400€ or whatever for a book, but the question should really be, Why aren't you using your library? There is no more important skill to learn as a graduate student. And if you're writing a PhD thesis, the most important resource for you is going to be *primary* sources, not other books. So if you're going to spend money, spend the money on a trip to Spain and dig through the libraries *there* looking for material. The bibliography of existing books can *guide* you where to find this material, but just rehashing stuff that's already been written about isn't much of a contribution to the body of knowledge about Flamenco. Then again, I'm one of those guys from the Physics department that Chomsky mentions ...
Oh, and one peeve - you don't say where you're located, and you haven't entered that in your profile. That's pretty important when it comes to the responses you'll get for most questions ...
Posts: 15242
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
RE: Flamenco Theory/Structure books (in reply to timoteo)
quote:
ORIGINAL: timoteo
quote:
If you are a postgrad student, you should be able to get your university to get an inter-library loan for any books you can't get a hold of.
You know, when I read the initial post, that was the first thing I thought. Everyone's talking about paying 400€ or whatever for a book, but the question should really be, Why aren't you using your library? There is no more important skill to learn as a graduate student. And if you're writing a PhD thesis, the most important resource for you is going to be *primary* sources, not other books. So if you're going to spend money, spend the money on a trip to Spain and dig through the libraries *there* looking for material. The bibliography of existing books can *guide* you where to find this material, but just rehashing stuff that's already been written about isn't much of a contribution to the body of knowledge about Flamenco. Then again, I'm one of those guys from the Physics department that Chomsky mentions ...
Oh, and one peeve - you don't say where you're located, and you haven't entered that in your profile. That's pretty important when it comes to the responses you'll get for most questions ...
Not sure what it's like today but when I was in school flamenco was super fringe subject. The only thing in any library in USA was Donn Pohren's stuff, no joke. Inter library loans just seem like far fetched to me regarding a subject as specific as "flamenco music theory".
I think the original poster needs to check out ROMERITO's thesis if he can find it out there. That would be Kevin Romero.
RE: Flamenco Theory/Structure books (in reply to Ricardo)
quote:
Not sure what it's like today but when I was in school flamenco was super fringe subject.
I suspect the situation is a bit different now, it's probably considered a "cool" topic to inflate with critical theory and other varieties of postmodern flatulence.
Inter-library loans can be tremendous for specialized subjects although I've not tried them vis. flamenco.
RE: Flamenco Theory/Structure books (in reply to timoteo)
quote:
Everyone's talking about paying 400€ or whatever for a book, but the question should really be, Why aren't you using your library?
One big problem with university libraries is that some of them have gotten into "pay to play" schemes where they charge exorbitant amounts for borrowing and even sometimes for access. You can imagine how quoting borrowing fees in the hundreds of dollars (and up!) goes over with in-state residents and alumni of public universities in the U.S., not to mention alumni of private universities.
quote:
just rehashing stuff that's already been written about isn't much of a contribution to the body of knowledge about Flamenco.
In any case there's a distinction to be made between academicized studies (many of which are essentially rehashes of stuff that's already been written, and frequently of questionable practical value) and (usually much cheaper) applied guidebooks - university libraries will focus on the former, and tend not to acknowledge the existence of the latter.