Farruca

Costs are rising and times are tough.
Please consider a donation to keep this
place going.

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.

Farruca

You are logged in as Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >>Discussions >>General >>

Page: [1] 2 > >>

Message

<< Newer Topic Older Topic >>

bailoro2000

Posts: 93
Joined: Jul. 7 2003

Farruca

Any of you guys playing farruca amongst your learning (or otherwise)?

A very personal statement from a dancer's point of view, and, I suppose the same could be said of guitarists as it is, in the main, cante free. Just wondered as I haven't seen it mentioned much?

Jim.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 22 2003 14:03:46

sbarnard

Posts: 75
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: Marengo, IL, EE UU

RE: Farruca (in reply to bailoro2000)

Hi Jim!

I'm learning the farruca that is in Paco Peña's Toques Flamencos book that I plan to play in my recital in May. It's pretty strait forward piece - a little syncopation issues here and there, but all and all it's a pretty playable piece for someone at my level.

Scott

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 22 2003 19:35:16

Guest

RE: Farruca (in reply to sbarnard)

Hi Scott.

Might help your recital if you watch any videos you can of farruca being danced. Antonio Gades, Antonio Canales, El Farruco and of course Ruis Soler. It will give you an idea of what the mood or "aire" should be.

The dance is a sort of personal strut, if you will, with elements of the corrida thrown in and solo guitar is the only accompaniment needed (IMO of course). Can be quite a powerful piece if you imagine playing for a dancer and an "invisible'" dancer image might do no harm when you play.

Just thoughts.

Jim.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 22 2003 21:06:48

Bob Arbuckle

Posts: 29
Joined: Jul. 16 2003

RE: Farruca (in reply to sbarnard)

Hi Scott,

My teacher and me are trying to use this Paco Pena piece for dance classes and find although there are nice falsetas, some of them are difficult to use them for dancers.

Paco Penas other pieces are better for dancers, like Rumba, Tientos and perhaps Colombiana.

We are in the process of figuring out the chords that match Paco Penas solos. They are not much of a mystery, but can be embelished for color.
Bob

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 22 2003 21:12:47

Guest

[Deleted] (in reply to Bob Arbuckle)

[Deleted by Admins]

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 22 2003 21:47:13

Thomas Whiteley

Posts: 786
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: San Francisco Bay Area

RE: Farruca (in reply to bailoro2000)

Yes, I still play Farruca. It was more popular in the 1960’s then today but I still like it.

_____________________________

Tom
http://home.comcast.net/~flamencoguitar/flamenco.html

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 22 2003 23:06:47

gerundino63

Posts: 1743
Joined: Jul. 11 2003
From: The Netherlands

RE: Farruca (in reply to bailoro2000)

Hi Jim!

Farruca is one of my favorite!

Sometimes I play together with some flamencofrends, and we get carried away on the farruca!

Peter.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 22 2003 23:11:48

Guest

RE: Farruca (in reply to Guest)

Going to show my ignorance here Andy, but , although I am familar with the dance, all
I can remember about the farruca palo on guitar is a vague memory of playing D7? somewhere and adding a third fret high e note into it before something like A7, da da da da da da da, dum dum dee dum, then repeating it on differen chords .......?

So much for my guitar playing (-:

Jim.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 23 2003 12:47:22

Bob Arbuckle

Posts: 29
Joined: Jul. 16 2003

RE: Farruca (in reply to Guest)

Hi Andy,

No this is the one in his Toque Book in Amin. The Dance Teacher likes 4/4 pieces that can go from slow to fast and not too complicated. (right up my alley)

We're taking pieces from various books, methods and etc, charting the chords and playing them as duets.

It's fun and a great learning experience or me.

Bob

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 23 2003 15:00:06

eslastra

Posts: 134
Joined: Jul. 12 2003
From: Livermore, CA USA

RE: Farruca (in reply to bailoro2000)

quote:

ORIGINAL: bailoro2000

Any of you guys playing farruca amongst your learning (or otherwise)?

A very personal statement from a dancer's point of view, and, I suppose the same could be said of guitarists as it is, in the main, cante free. Just wondered as I haven't seen it mentioned much?

Jim.

The very first palo I learned from Mariano Cordoba was a Farruca. I still love playing it today for it's raw and gutsy beauty. Lots of places in it to apply tempo changes and dynamics. It can be so serene and suddenly just explode with power and then switch back to serenity. I love to hear this type of thing is music as it keeps your attention. Farruca is most fun for me when working it with a dancer.

_____________________________

Eddie Lastra

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 23 2003 16:40:51

Guest

RE: Farruca (in reply to eslastra)

Hi Eddie.

I have a video of a very young Antonio Canales working with two guitarists on farruca.
It is, as you so rightly described a palo that switches moods dramatically. One minute
slow and stately, using corrida movement, the next full of staccato outbursts. Farruca doesn't get too much rating in flamenco discussions because it is not a cante orientated palo. A dancer, and if they work together, a guitarist can make it really live.

I learned a version of the basic dance, unfortunately to tape music, but it isn't a dance where you have to follow patterns like other flamenco rythmns. As I stated initially, it is a very personal statement for a dancer and can be worked out with a guitarist totally
in this way. I have always thought it very wrong for students to be led to believe that they lead guitarists. This is only true at a very professional stage and it would be far better and more encouraging if the students listened to a guitarists version and then worked with them as to how they wish to dance it. I don't believe in crash-course flamenco anything as it takes years just to understand the art. Nice to see you guys have a better opinion of farruca then most people. I love it.

If you can ever get to see the film clip of Antonio Gades perform farruca it is a must see. Majestic.

Jim.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 23 2003 22:25:16

Thomas Whiteley

Posts: 786
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: San Francisco Bay Area

RE: Farruca (in reply to eslastra)

Mariano taught the same Farruca to me - as well as how to play loud for a dancer. The Farruca is a nice palo, and more enjoyable when played for a dancer.

_____________________________

Tom
http://home.comcast.net/~flamencoguitar/flamenco.html

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 23 2003 23:03:18

Guest

And Zapateado. RE: Farruca (in reply to bailoro2000)

Might as well ask if anyone's working zapateado whilst I have the chance. (-:

This is the other cante-free palo in the dancer repetoire and, as it is a question and answer situation between dancer/guitarist, can be quite challenging and explosive. It, like farruca, ranges from slow to rapid and is enjotyable because of it.

I recommend you to try and watch the Jiminez version of it on the great (now quite old)
"Duende y mysterioso de flamenco" video. This is the best.

Best wishes for the festive season to all.

Jim.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 24 2003 9:08:38

gerundino63

Posts: 1743
Joined: Jul. 11 2003
From: The Netherlands

RE: And Zapateado. RE: Farruca (in reply to Guest)

I managed to play Zapateado en Re, from sabicas.
I have one live recording from Paco Pena playing it, a very long version, with nice dancing with it.
Then you hear very good how the cooperation, with the dancer is .

Best wishes to you too, Peter.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 24 2003 15:08:37

Guest

[Deleted] (in reply to Guest)

[Deleted by Admins]

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 24 2003 15:32:45

eslastra

Posts: 134
Joined: Jul. 12 2003
From: Livermore, CA USA

RE: And Zapateado. RE: Farruca (in reply to Guest)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Guest

Might as well ask if anyone's working zapateado whilst I have the chance. (-:

This is the other cante-free palo in the dancer repetoire and, as it is a question and answer situation between dancer/guitarist, can be quite challenging and explosive. It, like farruca, ranges from slow to rapid and is enjotyable because of it.

I recommend you to try and watch the Jiminez version of it on the great (now quite old)
"Duende y mysterioso de flamenco" video. This is the best.

Best wishes for the festive season to all.

Jim.

Jim,

Unlike the Farruca, Zapateado is very rarely performed or taught anymore. The fact that we still know about it really gives away our age

I have only come across a handful of guitarists that know how to strum the correct rasgueado pattern for this palo and these guys are older than me

. The aire of Zapateado is lighter than Farruca, but it's definitely got challenges for the guitarist. Especially the coordination of 'campanas' section with the dancer's 'taconeo' that starts very slowly and gradually accelerates to maximum speed. You better to have a well developed wrist and forearm to keep up with this one and still have some more left to bring it to the finale.

Since old things tend to come back, maybe the Zapateado will make a resurgence, except maybe we'll see some break dance moves fitted in

Have nice holiday season.

_____________________________

Eddie Lastra

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 24 2003 16:12:39

Thomas Whiteley

Posts: 786
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: San Francisco Bay Area

RE: And Zapateado. RE: Farruca (in reply to eslastra)

Hello Eddie;

I have not played Zapateado for a dancer in a few years. I still play it as a solo, when I want to feel good! It helps kick start me.

As I recall it is a member of the Tangos family and in some ways associated with Tanguillo, but it does have unique characteristics of its own.

Back to my other favorite the Farruca, I heard a story back in the 1950-1960 period about this palo. It seemed that at one time (another flamenco story with few agreeing) that the Farruca was danced to decide who would be King of the Gypsies. I tend to believe the story but have a few questions.

The Farruca came from Galicia in northern Spain, which is not exactly a hot bed of Gitano activity – in fact it is very Celtic (pronounced Keltic for those who do not know).

I accompanied Ciro in December of 1964 when he did a Farruca, at his new flamenco club in San Francisco. He was a great dancer and has taught many. The next year I won the Air Force talent contest playing a Farruca (solo). The Farruca is not too popular today but we still have shows with the Flamenco Society of San Jose, where it is danced and I have played it as a solo.

Mariano Cordoba has a great way to play Farruca – with a driving and loud beat – like a strong heart!

_____________________________

Tom
http://home.comcast.net/~flamencoguitar/flamenco.html

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 24 2003 18:31:48

Guest

RE: And Zapateado. RE: Farruca (in reply to Thomas Whiteley)

Just chiming in to say i love Farruca and Zapateado.
Though i'm on the young side, i'm totally into the 50's and 60's stuff.
I'm playing a concert wednsday, and i'm playing lots of Sabicas including one of
his Farruca's, and his wonderful Zapateado en Re.
FTK

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 18 2004 17:40:28

Guest

RE: And Zapateado. RE: Farruca (in reply to Guest)

Hola FTK,

I like the Farruca, Zapateado, Danza Mora, Verdiales, and other light stuff also. It's nice to see that it's being done still in concert somewhere, and that one can speak freely about it here.

G. Salazar

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 18 2004 20:52:24

Thomas Whiteley

Posts: 786
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: San Francisco Bay Area

RE: And Zapateado. RE: Farruca (in reply to Guest)

Guillermo is that you? Yes you can discuss just about anything on this forum and not cause a "war". If you like it it must be good!

_____________________________

Tom
http://home.comcast.net/~flamencoguitar/flamenco.html

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 21 2004 3:22:34

bailoro2000

Posts: 93
Joined: Jul. 7 2003

RE: And Zapateado. RE: Farruca (in reply to eslastra)

quote:

Unlike the Farruca, Zapateado is very rarely performed or taught anymore.

Eddie.

Funny you should say that, because I have just listened to a recent release of Zapateado by Emilio Maya, very much a guitarist of the moment. You can hear it on the "LISTEN TO THE MUSIC" link at the bottom of any of Kate's posts.

Jim.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 29 2004 14:37:31

Guest

And Peteneras? RE: Farruca (in reply to bailoro2000)

Got a discussion going on the dancer forum about Peteneras, yet another of flamenco's
"dying away" palos. I really like this palo, and it was always a dance favourite. Any of you still playing this, or have any info to offer?

Jim.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 30 2004 10:48:52

gerundino63

Posts: 1743
Joined: Jul. 11 2003
From: The Netherlands

RE: And Peteneras? RE: Farruca (in reply to Guest)

I love the peteneras!
I even managed to play Cancion from Paco Pena!

I have heared too a wonderful petenera from a rather unknown Italian flamenco guitarist called Gino D'Auri on his cd Sassion & Soul, together with Cello.

greetings, Peter.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 30 2004 13:52:14

Thomas Whiteley

Posts: 786
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: San Francisco Bay Area

RE: And Peteneras? RE: Farruca (in reply to Guest)

Jim;

I still play it. Eddie does too.

_____________________________

Tom
http://home.comcast.net/~flamencoguitar/flamenco.html

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 31 2004 17:34:27

Guest

RE: And Zapateado. RE: Farruca (in reply to bailoro2000)

anyone in the Los Angeles area play flamenco guitar and is looking to put together a small band? Let me know

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 30 2004 22:05:34

ToddK

Posts: 2961
Joined: Dec. 6 2004

RE: Farruca (in reply to bailoro2000)

Yes, i just learned a Sabicas Farruca some months ago.
I feel like i'm really getting hold of it now.

I might try to upload it, if i can figure out how to do it.

Jonny A

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 8 2004 22:55:34

Guest

RE: Farruca (in reply to ToddK)

Nice to see so many guitarists keeping this palo alive.

The farruca is in effect the dancer's "piece de resistance" and is coming back in favour a little since female dancers like Sara Baras are including it in their repetoire. It is an entirely personal thing, much like a guitarist composing their own version of a palo as opposed to playing the works of others. Doubt if anyone will ever do it better than Antonio Gadez, although Antonio Canales did a decent one when much younger. Keep up the good work guys.

Jim.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 9 2004 10:49:49

Guest

RE: And Peteneras? RE: Farruca (in reply to Guest)

Hola Jim

Every year there is a major Peteneras cante competition in Paterna de la Rivera (where some claim the Petenera was born). Every singer from Paterna sings it and the competition is attended by thousands. With support like that, this cante is in no danger of dying out.

Suerte

Sean

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 9 2004 12:47:06

Guest

RE: And Peteneras? RE: Farruca (in reply to Guest)

Hola Sean.

Glad to hear that as peteneras has always been a favourite palo of mine (bad luck element regardless). Got a video clip somewhere of La Tona dancing it and a few decent audio versions. There's also a decent peteneras on the video "Duende y mysterioso de flamenco", the one with Antonio dancing martinetes in Ronda's El Taco
with just unaccompanied cante as support. Gee, we're talking real flamenco ((-:

Jim.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 9 2004 13:30:49

Guest

RE: And Peteneras? RE: Farruca (in reply to Guest)

Jim

The "bad luck" element of Peteneras is no help, though I feel it is more of a gitano affectation than anything else, After all, la Niña de los Peines was gitana and is considered on of the greatest interpreters of this cante.

On a more humorous note, Jose Millan once told me when he was with some friends at a festival and could not get to the bar for crowds of gitanos. So he started to sing Peteneras, the gitanos scowled and moved away, leaving a clear space at the bar for the gaditanos.

Suerte

Sean

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 9 2004 15:56:29