Understanding Flamenco: Origins and Musical Elements

What is Flamenco?

The term 'flamenco' describes a type of song, a way to play the guitar, and a dance that is found essentially in Andalusia and Murcia, and even in some zones of Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha. The word 'jondo' refers to a few classic types of songs related to the tradition of flamenco, which are different from more modern and festive versions.

The Origins of Flamenco

The origin of flamenco is uncertain: some theories believe it comes from India or Pakistan, from the Persian musician Ziryab, who worked in the courts of Cordoba in the 8th century. Others believe it has Arabic roots. There are many opinions that link flamenco with ancient Hebrew and Byzantine religious songs. And then there are others who think the Roma people brought flamenco from the East. But it could be possible that flamenco came about slowly as a result of a series of influences in Andalusia. This is traditionally the zone where many diverse musical cultures met. Cultures from the East left an important legacy in the region. Later, the Roma people who settled there would have adopted the work of cultivating and passing on this tradition.

Key Elements of Flamenco Music

The fundamental elements of classical or traditional flamenco are:

• The Andalusian or flamenco cadence of the harmony;
• The modal and oriental scales of the melody; and
• A particular sense of rhythm.

Flamenco Harmony: The Andalusian Cadence

The Andalusian or flamenco cadence consists of the harmonization of the first four notes in a descending sense, in a Phrygian mode. The tonic chord, which is at the end of the progression, is not a triad but actually has a minor 9th interval, making it a Phrygian sonority. The harmony of flamenco not only consists of chords of this cadence; it is much richer and more complex. It has Mediterranean origins, probably Phoenician or Greek, and can be heard in music from various countries in this region.

Flamenco Melody and Scales

The scales of the Phrygian mode and the Phrygian with a major third are those that, combined, form flamenco melodies. These modes sound like Eastern music, such as Indian or Arabic music. Another peculiarity of flamenco melodies is the use of intervals smaller than a semitone (microtones), which sound very expressive.

The Distinctive Rhythm of Flamenco

The rhythm is the most remarkable element of flamenco music. It is characterized by the internal accentuation of its meter (mostly triple meter), which is usually regular like those we are used to hearing in Western music. Note the typical rhythm of bulerías.