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I've started recording pieces from Rafael Marin's 1902 publication, Método De Guitarra (Flamenco) - I find it interesting that Flamenco is in brackets. This appears to be the first attempt to say, "This is different". Despite that, the book is often dismissed by flamenco players today as being of no use. Certainly, for modern flamenco playing I would agree. But it still has a lot off interesting things in it, which I will try to cover in due course.
Posts: 3470
Joined: Jul. 12 2009
From: Washington, DC
RE: Exploration of Marin's 1902 Flam... (in reply to Rob MacKillop)
quote:
Despite that, the book is often dismissed by flamenco players today as being of no use. Certainly, for modern flamenco playing I would agree. But it still has a lot off interesting things in it, which I will try to cover in due course.
That the book is often dismissed by flamenco players today as being of no use is irrelevant. What is relevant is that you are enjoying the exploration of flamenco as Marin expressed it in a much earlier epoch. You may take your place as the flamenco version of the Academy of Ancient Music in Cambridge (UK), whose stated mission is, "To energize Baroque and Classical music. And to do it we get back to the style and spirit in which this music was first performed." Looking forward to the results of your quest.
Bill
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RE: Exploration of Marin's 1902 Flam... (in reply to Rob MacKillop)
Very cool that your taking this on. Very fascinating stuff, thank you! Have you read the prologue? I skimmed some and it seems he refers to this music more as guitar music that imitates the "aire andaluz". I'd love to translate it if I get some time. I was actually surprised how plain Spanish it is. Not sure what I expected. You think there's any chance that (flamenco) on the cover was to help sell copies kind of the way the word gets thrown around now?
EDIT: Looking through the music and they're not looking that far off from what you'd see today suuuuper basic but same chords same compas as far as I can gather. EDIT2: it gets into cante accompaniment eventually, looks kinda funny but the further I got the more flamenco the book gets.
RE: Exploration of Marin's 1902 Flam... (in reply to Rob MacKillop)
Bill - Thanks for that. I know that Academy well, having played lute for twenty years. I appreciate your comments.
Leñador - Unfortunately I cannot speak or read Spanish, and it takes a long time to type out sections into a translator, so you have a big advantage over me. I would love to have a translation! So, get to work :-)
Posts: 2697
Joined: Jun. 7 2010
From: The South Ireland
RE: Exploration of Marin's 1902 Flam... (in reply to BarkellWH)
quote:
BarkellWH
Well said Sir , well said ... I was going to say that exact same thing myself , but you did first ..well not the exact same , like I wouldn't have used a capital A for "and " but apart from that it would have been the same .. and with a similar sentiment as well ., .. . . Its a lot of work no matter what you do...
RE: Exploration of Marin's 1902 Flam... (in reply to Rob MacKillop)
Rob MacKillop
Very many thanks for making the pdf available. It’s a really interesting work, with a great deal of relevance to an understanding of the evolution of flamenco.
Posts: 15318
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
RE: Exploration of Marin's 1902 Flam... (in reply to Rob MacKillop)
quote:
Despite that, the book is often dismissed by flamenco players today as being of no use.
I might just be one in this category. More so because of the fact I had heard about this method for years from flamencologists as "evidence" of some connection between the classical world and the flamenco world as far as creativity goes. Finally getting a look at what was in there was therefore a bit of a let down for me, it was not what I had envisioned at all.
I do find it historically interesting and like many other methods, absolutely has value for those that read music. I consider it way more "classical" than flamenco of course. But I also must admit, for what it is, what I see YOU doing with it is fantastic. I really like your style of presentation, the blog and the video, and your playing is very musical. Even your nail-less tone is excellent. Guitar sound is good too. Keep going with it, it is really a great study of an important piece of history after all.