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Flamenco Singing Guitar and Dance

An Open Air Concert ShowcasingTraditional Folk Music of Andalucía

Aug 9, 2008 Michael Carroll

Spain is possibly the last European country with a flourishing indigenous folk music. But it is not easy to find the real thing. Coín aficionados were not disappointed.

On the 25th of July Coin´s Plaza Bermudez de la Rubia, known locally as Fish Square (Plaza de Pescao) was sealed off for an evening of traditional music. Jointly sponsored by the local council and the club Pepe de la Isla tickets cost seven euros

A large Spanish crowd took advantage of the open air venue to smoke lots of cigarettes and socialize. The women continually displaying artistry with their fans, punctuating conversation with a quick flick of the wrist, or closng them rapidly to point out something of interest.

Four Hour Show

The audience, cutting right across the age spectrum, from babes in arms to the most venerable of grandparents, were surprisingly attentive once the acts started to perform. Surprising as the show lasted for almost four hours on a hot summer night with uncomfortable plastic seating. It was noticeable that no one left before the end.

Flamenco can seem incomprehensibe at times to foreigners, but watching with knowledgeable people certainly helps to get a feel for the basics. The occasional cry of "¡Ole!," is a reminder that the songs are performed for others to enjoy, and feel, although "¡Anda!" (go on) is the preferred cry of Coíneños and is used to help the singer reach new depths of emotion rather than as a show of appreciation.

And these songs are full of raw emotion. Originally created to release the pain of life in a land that nears perfection but can´t always sustain its inhabitants.

Believed to have been developed by spain´s gypsy community Flamenco has adapted well to new musical idioms, although purists prefer the classical format.

The Earthquake from Cadiz

Short coplas (stanzas) start quietly enough but build up to incredibly powerful and strongly maintained final notes.The sheer volume these singers can generate is the more surprising for the fact that they mostly sing whilst sitting down using very little gesticulation and virtually no bodily movements. One of the artists,Terremoto de Jerez (the Earthquake from Cadiz) earned a standing ovation when he moved away from the microphone to sing unassisted.

Sergio Aranda a local man concluded the programme with a wild and frenetic dance sequence. With modernistic overtones to the steps and music, but not forgetting traditions. In one part of his repertoire he emulated the bulfight with his suit coat. This intemingling of seperate parts of Spanish culture was much appreciated.

For information about events in Southern Spain it is often better to contact the local Casa de Cultura rather than the Tourist Information Office.

The copyright of the article Flamenco Singing Guitar and Dance in S Europe Travel is owned by Michael Carroll. Permission to republish Flamenco Singing Guitar and Dance in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.