The Culture, Traditions, and Heritage of Spain

Flamenco Music

The music associated with flamenco came to be much before the dance form took shape. The “cantaor” or the flamenco vocalist is the person of prime importance- he or she weaves a heart rendering piece, usually of pain and suffering. His features often contort in distress as he sings the song most ardently and zealously. The guitar that plays along comes second in importance.

The “tracoar”, the person who plays the guitar in flamenco, does a fantastic job of twanging and plucking the guitar strings as well as beating the wood fraction such that it acts as percussion. It is a delight to watch the guitarist in action with the vocalist i.e. the “cantoar” and the “tacoar” as they play off one another thus giving rise to an amazing performance. The “el jaleo” – the name given to the team of people right next to the “tocaor” – applaud, stamp their feet, click their fingers and also call out to the performers especially the dancers or the guitar player.