Live the magic of the flamenco guitar in our flamenco show in Barcelona

In our flamenco show in Barcelona we have excellent professional flamenco guitarists (or “tocaores”) such as Francisco Díaz, Rafael Fernández and José Santiago among our cast of artists. If you haven’t had the chance to see them live yet, you can come to Palau Dalmases and enjoy their music in the daily shows of our flamenco show in Palau Dalmases.

What are the characteristics of the flamenco guitar?

The flamenco guitar is one of the most popular variants of Spanish guitar. It is not surprising, considering that flamenco is considered a Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

As you know, the flamenco guitar is an indispensable part of any tablao and it seems impossible to conceive a flamenco show without this instrument. Although dancing may be the most striking aspect of a flamenco performance, everything revolves around the song and the emotional voice of the cantaores (flamenco singers). The guitar was introduced to accompany singing, but today the mastery of the flamenco guitar is an art in itself.

What is the origin of flamenco guitar?

As some of you may already know if you have read our article on facts about flamenco, it has its origins in the 18th century approximately with clear Moorish and Spanish influences. These roots and mix of cultures are clearly noticeable in the sound of the flamenco guitar. However, at that time, singing was the only protagonist. The guitar was incorporated later on, followed by other instruments such as flutes, the cajón or violin, which are more typical of nowadays flamenco.

Experts agree that the guitar entered the flamenco scene in the 19th century, thus accompanying the cante, which until then had been completely a cappella. In fact, there are still some cantes that are performed without musical accompaniment.

Although there are different opinions about the exact date, it is known that the first documented reference of a flamenco guitarist dates from 1850 with Francisco Rodríguez “El Murciano”.

It was not until the 20th century that guitar and flamenco merged, thus consolidating the flamenco art we all know. In addition, with the introduction of the flamenco guitar, it helped to structure and regulate the schemes of flamenco singing, giving inputs and outputs, and to order and to win new melodies.

Why is flamenco in Barcelona so popular? Read this article 

Differences between classical guitar and flamenco guitar

They may look the same at first glance, but flamenco guitar and classical guitar are different. Just as in the case of electric guitars, where we can find  different types, shapes, with more strings and with different sounds for different styles, the same thing happens to classical guitars. Moreover, the music composed for a conventional guitar has nothing to do with flamenco guitar music.

The main differences between the two instruments are:

1. The flamenco guitar is slightly smaller than the classical guitar, so its hoop is also smaller.
2. Flamenco guitars are usually made of cypress and fir, while the other is made of cedar and palo santo.
3. The harmonic bars are placed in a different way

These subtle variations make the flamenco guitar get its characteristic sound. They are less sonorous and offer a lower volume than the traditional Spanish guitar, but the sound it produces is more percussive and brilliant. As it is sharper and drier, it allows it to adapt better to the demands and characteristics of flamenco.

Do you want to know more about flamenco? Discover the characteristics of flamenco dance

Get to know these 5 interesting facts about flamenco and flamenco in Barcelona

Flamenco is an art of Andalusian origin that integrates dance, singing and flamenco guitar, although nowadays you will also find the well-known “cajón flamenco” and also a flute. It is a musical genre known for its great emotional intensity and is distinguished by its graceful movements of arms, energetic tapping, intense laments and guitar strumming.

In Palau Dalmases, as you well know, we offer every night our flamenco show in Barcelona, with professional artists who have a successful career and who have performed on a long list of tablaos in Spain and abroad.

5 facts about flamenco that will surprise you

1. Flamenco in Barcelona: a long history

The first truthful information about the arrival of flamenco artists to Barcelona and artists in the city who offered their performances, origins from the second half of the 19th century, although it is believed that there has already been flamenco activity in the past. So, although many may believe otherwise, the historical relationship between Barcelona and flamenco is a hundred years old, as well as fruitful. Between the 19th and 20th century Barcelona became one of the first flamenco spots in Spain.

Why is Flamenco in Barcelona so popular? Discover it!

2. The origins of flamenco are still a mystery

One of the most famous flamenco facts is its origins. The origin of flamenco dancing and singing is still unclear today. Although it is confirmed that the flamenco as we know it dates from the 18th century, there are many different theories of how it was born, as it has earlier musical and dance characteristics.

The most widespread and accepted hypothesis is that flamenco originated in Andalusia as a result of the coexistence of Muslims, Gypsies, Castilians, immigrants, Jews and local people. African influences were also incorporated, coming from the black Africans who passed through Andalusia and also from the Caribbean who emigrated to Spain. Thus, flamenco is the union of different races and cultures; a harmonious mixture of different lifestyles.

3. Why is flamenco called flamenco?

There are several theories, and all of them are really funny!

• The name comes from the Andalusian expression”fellah min gueir ard”, which means “landless peasant”.
• The first Flamenco artists reminded of the pink-furred birds with the same name (Flamingo) for their (maybe stiff) pose.
• Some theories say that Flamenco came to Spain from Flanders during the time of Charles V. Although this hypothesis may be quite incorrect, as Flamenco as a musical style did not emerge until several centuries later.
• One of the first studies on Flamenco tells that in the 18th century, the gypsies, who were and are the main architects of this musical genre, were known in Andalusia as “flamencos”.

Photo: @jzlib01

4. Influences of other cultures on flamenco dance and singing

These multicultural influences can be seen reflected in all their aspects, both in dance and in the vocals, where we can distinguish:

• synagogue chants
• Gregorian chants
• Andalusian folk songs
• traditional Andalusian music
• Arabic sounds
• African rhythms

In flamenco dance, on the other hand, there are influences of traditional Spanish dances, Indian dances brought by gypsies, and African dances with more sensual movements.

5. Flamenco is characterized by expressing deep feelings

If you have already seen a flamenco show, you will know that the performances are intense, full of emotion. Flamenco is an art that explores the deepest feelings, such as pain, loneliness, anguish, despair, love, lack of love, passion and joy and these are transmitted through voice and movement. There’s always an emotional element.

Did you know all these facts about flamenco? Follow us on our Facebook page so you don’t miss anything about this art, and if you are in Barcelona and want to enjoy an intimate and exciting flamenco show, don’t hesitate to come and see us at Palau Dalmases!