Flamenco, a style of Spanish music, is both respected classical art and a commercial success. Invented between the 9th and 14th centuries, Flamenco has many centuries of history, and remains well-known today. However, if it wasn’t for the flamenco competition in 1922, lots of the history and lore behind the flamenco would have been lost.
In June of 1922, Andalusian composer Manuel de Falla organized the Concurso de Cante Jondo, a flamenco singing contest that was meant to protect the original forms of flamenco. Falla collaborated with many famous others, such as playwright Federico Garcia Lorca and artist Ignacio Zuloaga.
The event was split across two nights. Professional singers and guitarists were invited, along with enthusiasts who possessed hidden talent. Falla wanted the audience to hear the music that was almost forgotten. Over 4,000 people attended the event, and it made history.
The Concurso de Cante Jondo inspired many more competitions, found new talent, and saved many ancient variations of flamenco. However, according to Jose Javier Leon, a professor who studied the Concurso, the event didn’t fully function as intended. Leon says that the event benefited the more vulgar and commercial forms of flamenco instead of preserving its purity. He says that, “[Lorca and others] romanticized flamenco too much in a way that puts the concept of ‘purity’ before the life and needs of the actual artist.”
Flamenco greatly increased in popularity; thus, even if it changed, was the Concurso a success? Leon says that this isn’t the question we should be asking. What we should be asking is, “Did I like it, did it make me feel something?” Arts almost always change with the times, and flamenco is no exception. Now, there are many different forms of flamenco.
Famous performers include Joaquin Cortes, Paco de Lucia, and Sara Baras. Flamenco has evolved to accept many more commercial interpretations, and the classical side of it has been deemed an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2010.
In the end, the 1922 Concurso de Cante Jondo didn’t just save the old flamenco. It showed that flamenco is diverse, and caused much growth around the art. The names surrounding the event and the overall importance made it one of the most crucial points in the flamenco’s timeline.
In June of 1922, Andalusian composer Manuel de Falla organized the Concurso de Cante Jondo, a flamenco singing contest that was meant to protect the original forms of flamenco. Falla collaborated with many famous others, such as playwright Federico Garcia Lorca and artist Ignacio Zuloaga.
The event was split across two nights. Professional singers and guitarists were invited, along with enthusiasts who possessed hidden talent. Falla wanted the audience to hear the music that was almost forgotten. Over 4,000 people attended the event, and it made history.
The Concurso de Cante Jondo inspired many more competitions, found new talent, and saved many ancient variations of flamenco. However, according to Jose Javier Leon, a professor who studied the Concurso, the event didn’t fully function as intended. Leon says that the event benefited the more vulgar and commercial forms of flamenco instead of preserving its purity. He says that, “[Lorca and others] romanticized flamenco too much in a way that puts the concept of ‘purity’ before the life and needs of the actual artist.”
Flamenco greatly increased in popularity; thus, even if it changed, was the Concurso a success? Leon says that this isn’t the question we should be asking. What we should be asking is, “Did I like it, did it make me feel something?” Arts almost always change with the times, and flamenco is no exception. Now, there are many different forms of flamenco.
Famous performers include Joaquin Cortes, Paco de Lucia, and Sara Baras. Flamenco has evolved to accept many more commercial interpretations, and the classical side of it has been deemed an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2010.
In the end, the 1922 Concurso de Cante Jondo didn’t just save the old flamenco. It showed that flamenco is diverse, and caused much growth around the art. The names surrounding the event and the overall importance made it one of the most crucial points in the flamenco’s timeline.
