American writer Peter Manuel has published a new book titled Flamenco Music History, Forms, Culture on University of Illinois Press. Notably, Peter Manuel offers English-language readers a rare portrait of the music’s history, styles, and cultural impact. The book begins with the theory of flamenco’s Moorish and Roma influences. Manuel traces back the music’s evolution through its consolidation in the mid-1800s and on to the dynamic contemporary scene.
Flamenco Music History, Forms, Culture features an in-depth exploration of flamenco’s pivotal song forms, offering a comprehensive study of rhythm and guitar techniques. The author’s overview extends to various facets of the music, providing insights into the intricacies of flamenco, ranging from the soleares and bulerías to the rhythmic tangos.
Moreover, Manuel extends his scrutiny beyond the musical aspects, examining the broader cultural aspects of contemporary flamenco. This includes issues such as globalization, gender dynamics, ownership paradigms, and the ongoing discourse surrounding the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. The author offers perspectives on the roles played by both Gitanos (Spanish Gypsies) and non-Gitanos, shedding light on the intricate dynamics that shape flamenco’s identity.
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central