The Art of Flamenco

THE ART OF FLAMENCO is an invaluable book for the flamenco aficionado. Written by a recognized authority in the field who has the double advantage of being a flamenco guitarist and of being married to a Spanish flamenco dancer and singer, this book combines a rare insight intg the concept of flamenco as well as into the art itself. It is by far the most complete book on flamenco in any language, and the only one of any scope in the English language. Also, it is designed for everyone, from the beginner to the most advanced aficionado. As such, THE ART OF FLAMENCO is a valuable addition to everyone's library. Preface to the second edition When it became necessary to begin revision of this book for its second edition, I was stricken with misgivings. Since it was published, just four years ago, I had only occasionally glanced through the book, and in truth could not readily recall just what I had written. Had four years of maturing within the art of flamenco changed my basic ideas? Would I find it necessary to discard much of what I had written and start anew? You can imagine my relief when, upon going over the book, I found myself agreeing with nearly everything I had written. There were technical mistakes to be corrected, to be sure, as well as additions of new material, some deletions, and bringing up-to-date. But, I was delighted to perceive, my basic ideas not only had not changed, they had become even more strongly ingrained with time and experience. This will be obvious to the reader of both editions. Thus, "Part I: The Philosophy of Flamenco” has hardly been revised; “Part II”, quite a bit more, particularly the sections “Song”, “Dance”, “Reciting”, “Comedy” (new in this edition), and “Hard Times and Present Trends”; “Part III” has been thoroughly gone over and enlarged, with many changes, corrections, and additions, as well as the enriching inclusion of numerous new song verses and their translations; “Part IV”, the appendices, has also undergone a rather drastic revision, having been enlarged and completely rewritten, with the addition of a great deal of new, up-to-date information. In addition, a bibliography, and bibliographical information, lacking in the first edition, has been included in this edition. This revised edition is, therefore, more accurate and complete, and, I feel, better able to accomplish its mission of providing the reader with a solid flamenco foundation and direction.