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Posts: 2028
Joined: Jul. 12 2004
From: San Francisco
Great documentary
I just returned from Spain and on the plane ride to New York I saw two great documentary films: Wild Flamenco: Bambino’s Story Algo salvaje: la historia de Bambino
2021
And: Fandango 2024
I recommend both highly. My last day in Madrid I went to the Prado, which was so incredible I can’t conjure enough superlatives to describe the experience, and went to a bullfight, which was also a unique experience. Six fights and the bulls lost them all, however not before tossing the matadors four times.
And got to spend four days in Cordoba learning from Paco Serrano as part of the onlineflamenco class. Tough travel for this older guy but well worth it.
So the cordoba course was good enough to return? How was it this time? I often find the second time around an experience can be not what it was, but also something better.
Stu for me it was worth it. There were a few things that were better the first time, but they were minor. Paco is a great teacher and he clearly loves it. It really depends what you are looking for when considering this class. Eight out of just over 20 people returned from last year. It was great to see those guys again and meet some of the new folks. I think 11 countries were represented. There were just over twenty students and there were 3 1/2 hours of lessons per day with Paco for four days so there was plenty of individual attention if you wanted it. And a repetition class if you wanted with another guitarist. The last day was the best since the class had already finished working out the routine. It consisted of asking Paco whatever you wanted and him responding by explaining and playing the answers.
For example- what’s a good way to do an entrada por alegrias in a different key? Answer:You can use mineras and here let me record one for you.
What’s a way to make an escobilla more interesting? Answer: well here’s one I just wrote for my new cd
He imparted so much wisdom that last day. And playing for the dance with a great dancer and singer was fun. I’ve never been to Gerardo’s class so I can’t compare. Based on what I’ve heard it sounds like the material is a lot harder but even Paco’s easy stuff he turns the beat around here and there so I had to work some stuff out. The focus in Paco’s class was understanding how to play for the dance and the cante. Explained the variations that can occur. Even guys who were essentially beginners got something out of it. As to if they could hang when Kiko got his feet going, and catch the cortes, play the right chords, my only concern was that I did. So I enjoyed it.
Back in the 90’s I was really involved in my local flamenco scene. Many of my friends went to Spain every year. I had a business and a family and it wasn’t possible for me. I realized then that to progress I needed to do that so I left the local scene and put it aside. Did other music mostly. Now I’m retired and can do whatever I want within reason. The Onlineflamenco course is fun, which suits me at this point. I’m not trying to be anything, not trying to do gigs. That is behind me, and I’m satisfied with what I did. Now it’s just enjoy the music and keep learning.
Finally, I love Cordoba. Small town vibe with all the amenities of a city.
So the cordoba course was good enough to return? How was it this time? I often find the second time around an experience can be not what it was, but also something better. [/quote]
I recommend both highly. My last day in Madrid I went to the Prado, which was so incredible I can’t conjure enough superlatives to describe the experience, and went to a bullfight, which was also a unique experience. Six fights and the bulls lost them all, however not before tossing the matadors four times.
And got to spend four days in Cordoba learning from Paco Serrano as part of the onlineflamenco class. Tough travel for this older guy but well worth it.
I’ve been to El Prado four times, not enough, could go once a week I think. The Goya ‘black paintings’ are mind blowing as are the Velasquez paintings, particularly Las Hilanderas paintings and La Infanta, the former being underrated but incredibly sophisticated. Velasquez paints the huge spinning wheel as a moving object, this is conceptually so far ahead of its time. It doesn’t really happen again until Turner paints a steaming locomotive.
Nice selection for a plane ride. Any ideas on how to watch Fandango in USA? Tough to find given the name is the same as fandango.com movie ticket seller :(
Unfortunately I did not see the Garden of Earthy Delights but did see the creation of the Milky Way and Judith at the Banquet of Holofernes. I was pretty overwhelmed as there are masterpieces everywhere. I only had three hours. It requires a lot longer than that even for a layman-days at the least. I assumed you had been there given your background. I’ll definitely go back if possible.
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ORIGINAL: estebanana
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ORIGINAL: Mark2
I just returned from Spain and on
I recommend both highly. My last day in Madrid I went to the Prado, which was so incredible I can’t conjure enough superlatives to describe the experience, and went to a bullfight, which was also a unique experience. Six fights and the bulls lost them all, however not before tossing the matadors four times.
And got to spend four days in Cordoba learning from Paco Serrano as part of the onlineflamenco class. Tough travel for this older guy but well worth it.
I’ve been to El Prado four times, not enough, could go once a week I think. The Goya ‘black paintings’ are mind blowing as are the Velasquez paintings, particularly Las Hilanderas paintings and La Infanta, the former being underrated but incredibly sophisticated. Velasquez paints the huge spinning wheel as a moving object, this is conceptually so far ahead of its time. It doesn’t really happen again until Turner paints a steaming locomotive.
Nice selection for a plane ride. Any ideas on how to watch Fandango in USA? Tough to find given the name is the same as fandango.com movie ticket seller :(
Unfortunately I did not see the Garden of Earthy Delights but did see the creation of the Milky Way and Judith at the Banquet of Holofernes. I was pretty overwhelmed as there are masterpieces everywhere. I only had three hours. It requires a lot longer than that even for a layman-days at the least. I assumed you had been there given your background. I’ll definitely go back if possible.
When I was there I wasn't able to get very close to it as there was a group of about 20 school kids crowded around it and their teacher was taking their sweet time lecturing about it. But, even from a distance it's pretty impressive.
The Prado is mind-blowing, that's for sure, so much to see. When I was there they sold tickets in blocks of multiple days as really one day isn't enough to do it justice.
One huge painting that really captivated me was Tintoretto's "The Washing of the Feet". There's something almost three dimensional about it as you walk past. The perspective seems to change to suit your frame of reference. The best I could figure was the effect was achieved by putting the main characters at the edges of the painting instead of in the middle. Another thing I hadn't realized about some of the old paintings was how the artists would invariably have one character in a crowd scene looking out at you. I had never really noticed that until I was able to examine a bunch of these paintings up close and, in some cases, you really have to look for it to find it, but I'll be darned if it isn't there. Pretty cool.
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