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Posts: 4516
Joined: Aug. 9 2006
From: Iran (living in Germany)
RE: What emotions does flamenco prim... (in reply to metalhead)
For me its all possible emotions you can imagine , alternating between them in the most eloquent but also demanding way imaginable. Romance and love included. It is definately more on the sad side of life. Even alegrias or rumba makes you feel happy, but there is always that uncertain sad element included, which makes flamenco the realest musical expression of life you can ask for. By the way, how is everyone doing, hope you're all well, missed you all.
Posts: 15329
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
RE: What emotions does flamenco prim... (in reply to metalhead)
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.
RE: What emotions does flamenco prim... (in reply to devilhand)
quote:
who accompanies Agujeta here?
1. Bulerías Rafael Trenas, Miguel Ochando 2. Soleá M. Ochando 3. Alegrías R. Trenas M. Ochando 4. Taranto R. Trenas 5. Tangos M. Ochando R. Trenas 6. Seguiriyas R. Trenas 7. Bulerias M. Ochando R. Trenas 8. Malagueñas M. Ochando 9. Solea M. Ochando 10. Fandangos M. Ochando R. Trenas
Seguiriya letra:
Manuela de mi alma yo no tengo carta yo me ha enterao que mis niña es tan güena me sobra y me bata
Al cautivo yo le pío con gran devoción que le aliviará a la que tiene mi mare en el corazón
Tengo yo en mi cuerpo un clavo ? de una hija de una malita mare me ?
RE: What emotions does flamenco prim... (in reply to metalhead)
Mistakes in all three letras:
First: (...) que mis niñas están buenas me sobra y me basta
Second: (...) que me aliviara (without accent; it's the subjunctive form) (...)
Third: (...) un clavo hincado de una hija de una mala madre me lo ha remachado
Check my website before that one or most of the others. They've all got mistakes, some of them pretty bad. Even the Junta de Andalucía screwed up Pastora's letras in her anthology.
Posts: 15329
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
RE: What emotions does flamenco prim... (in reply to orsonw)
Loose interpretation. 1. Pride in the virgin daughters, who can in theory be married off. 2. Question of what could relieve the heartbreak my mom/self is experiencing (commiseration between mother and son). Several letras like this, including one going back to George Borrow 1830’s. 3. Young girl has either learned manipulation from the mom, or her mom won’t let her marry me, either way I am stuck on her.
RE: What emotions does flamenco prim... (in reply to Ricardo)
quote:
But it is really most helpful to have music when times are rough.
So true. How many times have we read or heard someone saying to a musician, thank you for making this album. You saved my life.
From the prespective of a musician, when times are tough and when they have to deliver, they make the best music. After having enough success and when the stomach is full, the magic or the greatness somehow fades away. I used to think it had something to do with age meaning that people in their twenties are more creative. But it's not always like that. I think difficult external circumstances do play a greater role.
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