International » Western European Traditions » Contemporary Flamenco

Contemporary Flamenco music has changed little from the historical flamenco style originating with probable Andalusian roots. In the recording industry, most flamenco music is guitar instrumental pieces. The most critically and popularly acclaimed flamenco guitarist of the 1990s is Carlos Montoya. His recorded works are among the most celebrated guitar pieces to date. The fascinating thing about flamenco recordings is that each piece can sound different each time a master performs it. There are countless recognizable phrases and themes, but the music is rarely (if ever) played the same way twice, and many flamenco musicians do not write or read music. Flamenco has a definitive rhythm in its vocal, dance, and instrumental forms. Guitar, clapping, and castanets often accompany a singer and/or dancer. Melodically, flamenco is both diatonic and modal in character.