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Ricardo -> RE: What emotions does flamenco primarily seek to express? (Aug. 8 2024 17:08:50)
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The lyrics of the cante explain this in painful detail. Because a large percentage are specifically about the gypsy lifestyle in Spain, it might be necessary to get a knowledgeable gitano cantaor to decipher their deeper meanings. In my case, anyway, this was super helpful (thank you to Jesus Montoya DEP). A good place to start are lyrics that involve the concept of arranged marriage, the inevitable wedding good or bad, virginity, unrequited love for another whom you are not betrothed, etc. From there the aspect of a poor life, not having enough food, death of family member, etc.
There might be a general idea that happy music like Alegria is about happiness, or that Siguiriya must be about death and sadness, but this is not reflected universally by the lyrics which can interchange. The reason for singing about these subjects is that there is a sense of commiseration and pride in the human condition. The music and lyrics are an outlet for these emotions, just like in other genres. By contrast, the Arabic Sephardic and other music “influences” Flamenco singing supposedly derives from is spiritual in nature, ie singing to god or in praise of god etc. Even here you might find themes about lament, such as “why has god forsaken me?” Type themes that could, in theory support religious influence on the lyrics at some point, that shifts to a more secular and specific gypsy lifestyle emphasis.
In my own research, which appears to be a unique avenue, I learned about possible origins that relate to the “carceleras” or the concept of singing in prison, or rather, the songs being central to the idea of a release from misery and a way to express yourself such that you could survive a bad condition. Specifically I learned about historical suppression of people wanting and needing to sing in prison, ie, silencing the song (by authorities), which resonates with me as to why specific melodies might have survived for so long and in such a serious and intense manner as Flamenco cante projects and is passed on. Particularly this concept of “deep song”, etc., separate from whatever the specific lyrics might be saying.
As for non singing flamenco, such as guitar solos, dance choreography etc., it is no different than other music as a form of expressing anything you need to. In the end there is an egotistical pride in the work put in and the final result that shields individual artists from the pain due to the problems of life. I for one don’t have much to express when things are going super great, other than love and family which can be inspiring of course. Birth of a child etc. But it is really most helpful to have music when times are rough.
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