Castañuelas

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Castañuelas

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CuerdasDulces

Posts: 277
Joined: Jul. 12 2009
From: Toronto

Castañuelas

Hi everyone,

I've been wondering about this for a long time but never thought of asking in the foro.
My question is, how come Castañuelas are not used in recordings anymore? I dont even see really see them in any baile videos either.

The first time I heard them in a recording was in Paco's "Punta Umbria" (Fandangos).
I thought it sounded so cool

Any thoughts on this? Maybe they are too old fashioned for modern players?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 14 2011 21:29:35

Ramon Amira

Posts: 1025
Joined: Oct. 14 2009
From: New York City

RE: Castañuelas (in reply to CuerdasDulces)

quote:

how come Castañuelas are not used in recordings anymore? I dont even see really see them in any baile videos either.

Because the essence of the female baile is - or should be - in the bailaora's hands, fingers, arms, and upper torso. The use of castanets inhibits the proper use and movements of the hands and fingers.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 14 2011 21:41:09

BarkellWH

Posts: 3460
Joined: Jul. 12 2009
From: Washington, DC

RE: Castañuelas (in reply to CuerdasDulces)

quote:

My question is, how come Castañuelas are not used in recordings anymore? I dont even see really see them in any baile videos either.

My understanding is that castanets were never a staple of traditional flamenco dance. They were added by such outfits as Jose Greco in the 50s and 60s because they sounded cool. But the traditional flamenco puro performers did not use them. I actually recall reading or hearing somewhere that castanets were used more in Spanish classical dance.

Cheers,

Bill

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And the epitaph drear, "A fool lies here,
Who tried to hustle the East."

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 14 2011 21:47:24

CuerdasDulces

Posts: 277
Joined: Jul. 12 2009
From: Toronto

RE: Castañuelas (in reply to BarkellWH)

That's new information for me. I always thought that they were part of flamenco dance, especially when seeing them in movies of flamenco dance.

0:40

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 14 2011 23:04:08

Adam

Posts: 1156
Joined: Dec. 6 2006
From: Hamilton, ON

RE: Castañuelas (in reply to CuerdasDulces)

I haven't spent too much time in Andalucía so take this with a grain of salt, but the only times I've seen castanets in Spain were when they were getting sold to tourists

Oh, they probably use them in performances in some of the caves in the Sacromonte.... where they charge tourists 20 euros for an hour of rumba and a pitcher of sangría.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 14 2011 23:09:17

Kate

Posts: 1827
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: Living in Granada, Andalucía

RE: Castañuelas (in reply to CuerdasDulces)

I understood that they are really considered folk, a part of the Sevillanas tradition. They are just not even considered, of course I am talking about guitar not dance. In all the time I have been in Spain no-one has said we must have Castañuelas on this track. Though I have seen dancers use them occasionally. I once saw a Paco Peña show in London, probably mid 90's, where they were used to great effect with the guitar, a very seductive duet.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 14 2011 23:30:13

CuerdasDulces

Posts: 277
Joined: Jul. 12 2009
From: Toronto

RE: Castañuelas (in reply to Kate)

Yes I saw that show too, I think it was called "A Compas"

Its very interesting to know all of this. I don't think that castanuelas would sound so good in todays modern stuff now that I think about it.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 15 2011 0:17:11