# Cante flamenco > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Cante_flamenco > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Cante_flamenco.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cante_flamenco > Source revision: 1325328470 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Flamenco singing This article needs more citations. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Cante flamenco" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (September 2008) (Learn how and when to remove this message) The **cante flamenco** (Spanish pronunciation: [\[ˈkante flaˈmeŋko\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Spanish); lit. 'flamenco singing') is one of the three main components of [flamenco](/source/Flamenco), along with *toque* ('playing the guitar') and *baile* ('dance'). Because the dancer is front and center in a flamenco performance, foreigners often assume the dance is the most important aspect of the art form — in fact, it is the *cante* which is the heart and soul of the genre. A *cante* singer is a ***cantaor*** or ***cantaora***. The cante flamenco is part of musical tradition in the [Andalusian](/source/Andalusia) region of [Spain](/source/Spain). Its origins are uncertain but scholars see many influences in the cante flamenco including: The traditional song of the gitanos (Spanish Gypsies), the Perso-Arab [Zyriab](/source/Zyriab) song form, the classical Andalusian orchestras of the [Islamic Empire](/source/Caliphate), the [Jewish](/source/Jewish) synagogue chants, [Mozarabic](/source/Andalusi_Romance) forms such as zarchyas and zambra, [Arabic](/source/Arabic) zayal (the foundation for the [Fandango](/source/Fandango)), and Andalusian regional folk forms, as well as [West African](/source/West_African) and [South American](/source/South_American) influences as seen in the *[cantes de ida y vuelta](/source/Cantes_de_ida_y_vuelta)*. Flamenco embodies a wealth of musical cultures — Roma, Arab, Berber, Jewish, and Christian.[1] Flamenco developed into its definitive form during its [Golden Age](/source/Golden_Age) (1869-1910). Beginning in 1910, cante flamenco was popularized by the opera flamenca which included the lighter forms of flamenco such as fandangos and *cantes de ida y vuelta*. In order to preserve the "authentic" *cante jondo* (deep song), [Manuel de Falla](/source/Manuel_de_Falla) and [Federico García Lorca](/source/Federico_Garc%C3%ADa_Lorca), organized the [Concurso de Cante Jondo](/source/Concurso_de_Cante_Jondo) in [Granada](/source/Granada) in 1922. Singers from all over Andalusia travelled to join in the competition. The first two prizes went to [El Tenazas](/source/El_Tenazas) and [El Caracol](/source/El_Caracol_(singer)). ## Types of cante There are many variants of cantes or *[palos](/source/Palo_(flamenco))* (song forms), each expressing a unique emotion (which shares noticeable resemblance to [Indian classical music](/source/Indian_classical_music)). The flamenco songs of today may be classified into one of three categories: cante grande, cante intermedio or cante chico. ### Cante Grande Also known as [cante jondo](/source/Cante_jondo) and sometimes referred to as [cante gitano](#Cante_Gitano). Meaning "profound" and "deep," this intensely sad form of cante deals with themes of death, anguish, despair, or religious sentiments and may be sung a palo seco (without guitar accompaniment). Major forms are the *[tonás](/source/Ton%C3%A1s)*, *[martinetes](/source/Martinetes)*, *[seguiriya](/source/Seguiriya)*, *[soleá](/source/Sole%C3%A1)*, and *carcelera*. It is said that cante jondo (deep song) is the heart and soul of flamenco: The singer who sings *seguiriyas* leaves in each line of the *[copla](/source/Copla_(meter))* (verse of cante) a piece of his soul; and, if not, he is deceiving the listener, perhaps even himself. If there is one style to which the singer has to give everything, has to give every bit of himself, it is the *siguiriya*. I have seen José Menese completely overcome, broken, a literal wreck after doing this song and I believe that if the singer sometimes reaches the kind of state of grace that the Gypsies call *[duende](/source/Duende_(art))* - and I don't know yet what that is - it is in these unique and unrepeatable moments. — Ángel Álvaro Caballero, *Historia del Cante Flamenco* **Sample Seguiria describing anguish in [Caló](/source/Cal%C3%B3_language), Spanish and English:** Caló Andalusian English Ducas tenela min dai Penas tiene mi mare My mother has her troubles ducas tenelo yo penas tengo yo and I have mine las de min dai yo sieno y las que siento son las de mi mare my mother's are the ones I feel las de mangue no. que las mis no. not my own. ### Cante Intermedio Meaning "intermediate," this form is less profound but also moving, sometimes containing an oriental cast to the music. The term (between *cante chico* and *cante grande* that is) varies according to who is singing and describing the "cante intermedio". ### Cante Chico Literally meaning "little song," this form of cante sings of lighter subjects including love, bawdy humor and happiness to the accompaniment of the flamenco guitar. Festive forms of cante chico include forms such as the *[alegrías](/source/Alegr%C3%ADas)*, *[bulerías](/source/Buler%C3%ADas)* and *[tangos](/source/Tango_(flamenco))*. ## Other classifications of cante flamenco ### Cante Gitano Cante gitano (or the "Gypsy song") refers to the original songs believed to be developed by Gypsies who immigrated in the 15th century. These include the *toná*, *soleá*, *seguiriya*, *tango* and *buleria*. ### Cante Andaluz Cante andaluz began to spread during the middle of the 19th century, and is a combination of other forms of folkloric music from Andalusia which demonstrate a definite influence of Gypsy flamenco music. Cante andaluz genres include the many variations of the *fandango* and *cantinas*. ### Cantes Folklóricos Aflamencados The styles of cantes folklóricos aflamencados are forms of cante that are not considered to be true forms of flamenco by the purists. Examples of these styles include the *[sevillanas](/source/Sevillanas)*, *[Farruca](/source/Farruca)*, *[Garrotin](/source/Garrotin)*, and the *[Cuban Rumba](/source/Cuban_Rumba)*. These are the folk song and dances from Andalusia, other Spanish provinces including [Galicia](/source/Galicia_(Spain)) and [Asturias](/source/Asturias), as well as South America which have been slightly influenced by traditional flamenco forms. ### Lorqueña Lorqueña is a "aflamencado" that has been made from certain ancient folk songs based on the poems of [Federico García Lorca](/source/Federico_Garc%C3%ADa_Lorca).[2] The poet himself collected these folk songs that were included gypsies and flamenco lyrics and gathered in his [collection of ancient popular songs](/source/Federico_Garc%C3%ADa_Lorca#Poetry_collections). Among these traditional songs were the tunes, bulerías, jaleos and seguidillas that Lorca himself recorded in 1931 accompanying the famous singer "[La Argentinita](/source/La_Argentinita)" with the piano.[3] The lorqueña comes from [Granada](/source/Granada) and is based on the [bulería](/source/Buler%C3%ADa) style.[4] The [gypsy](/source/Romani_people) Pastora María Pavón Cruz known as "[La Niña de los Peines](/source/La_Ni%C3%B1a_de_los_Peines)" was a very famous cantaora flamenca from [Seville](/source/Seville). She took the poems of Federico García Lorca as lyrics of new songs and was the first person to call it Lorqueña.[5] #### Titles - *En el café de Chinitas* ('At Chinitas Cafe') - *Anda jaleo* ('Come Rise Up') - *Esquilones de Plata* ('Silver Bells') ## Famous *cantaores* ### El Planeta (Antonio Fernández) Although concrete information about El Planeta is scarce, it is thought he was born around 1770 in [Cádiz](/source/C%C3%A1diz). He is widely acknowledged as the first famous performer of the cante flamenco. Originally a blacksmith, El Planeta soon became a renowned leader within the Gypsy community, bearing the honorary title of "Count and Prince of the Fraternity." It is believed he usually sang unaccompanied, although he sometimes accompanied himself on the guitar. The oldest siguiriyas in recorded flamenco history are those of El Planeta. He died around 1850, most likely in or around [Seville](/source/Seville). ### El Fillo (Francisco Ortega Vargas) Born around 1820 in [Villa Real](/source/Vila_Real%2C_Portugal), El Fillo was the chosen disciple of El Planeta. El Fillo was able to perform all forms of cante, and has thus been known as "the father of cante." His hoarse, harsh voice has become a defining characteristic of cante to this day - this style of singing is described as *afilla* in homage to him. It is believed that El Fillo died in 1878 in Seville. ### Silverio Franconetti Aguilar Born 1829, Silverio Franaconnetti was born in [Morón de la Frontera](/source/Mor%C3%B3n_de_la_Frontera) was expected to enter the family tailoring business, but would escape to the nearby blacksmith to hear the gypsy singers. Here he met El Fillo and was encouraged to become a singer. He later went to Argentina and Uruguay working as a *[picador](/source/Picador)* in the [bullrings](/source/Bullrings), and he also served as an officer in the Uruguay Army. Franconnetti was arguably the best non-Gypsy singer of the Nineteenth Century. He died in 1889. ### La Niña De Los Peines (Pastora María Pavón Cruz) Born in Seville in 1890, La Niña de Los Peines is regarded by some as the most exceptional and innovative female flamenco singer of all time. Affectionately called "La Niña," she was known for her interpretation of the tangos, and was often requested to sing siguiriyas at a time when women did not customarily perform it. ### Manolo Caracol (Manuel Ortega Juárez) [Manolo Caracol](/source/Manolo_Caracol) came from an exalted Gypsy dynasty which to this day remains legendary in the arenas of both flamenco and bullfighting. Born in Seville in 1909, it is commonly believed that his ancestral lineage included both El Planeta and El Fillo. Caracol won the prestigious first prize at the Cante Jondo Competition (in 1922) at the age of only 13. During the Spanish Civil War he worked in theaters to survive. Caracol claimed his style of singing was unique. He is remembered for his capacity to evoke overwhelming passions from his listeners. Caracol frequently performed with full orchestras or pianos (much to the harsh remarks made by the purists). Caracol died at the age of sixty-four in 1973 Madrid. ### Camarón de la Isla (José Monje Cruz) [Camarón de la Isla](/source/Camaron_de_la_Isla) was born in [San Fernando](/source/San_Fernando%2C_C%C3%A1diz) in 1950, and was the second child of eight to a Gypsy blacksmith and a basketweaver. He received his nickname Camarón (Shrimp) early on due to his thin body, light complexion and blond hair, and began performing at the age of eight. In 1969 he made his first album with [Paco de Lucía.](/source/Paco_de_Lucia) Although trained as a traditional flamenco singer, Camarón broke with convention, incorporating new musical instruments including the drums, zither, flute, moog, and keyboards to name a few. In his comparatively short career of 20 years, he and Paco de Lucía revolutionized the art of flamenco, attracting vast new audiences to the art form. Camarón met his untimely death in 1992 at the age of forty-one, in [Barcelona](/source/Barcelona). ### Other famous singers of cante There are many more famous and influential flamenco singers, including: - [Manuel Agujetas](/source/Manuel_Agujetas) - La Repompa de Malaga - [Rafael de Utrera](/source/Rafael_de_Utrera) - [Potito](/source/Potito_(singer)) - [Remedios Amaya](/source/Remedios_Amaya) - Diego Carrasco - La Paquera de Jerez - [Antonio Mairena](/source/Antonio_Mairena) - [Diego El Cigala](/source/Diego_El_Cigala) - [Enrique El Mellizo](/source/Enrique_El_Mellizo) - [Antonio Chacon](/source/Antonio_Chacon) - [Manuel Torre](/source/Manuel_Torre) - [Enrique El Granaino](/source/Enrique_Morente) - [Pepe de Lucía](/source/Pepe_de_Luc%C3%ADa) - [Estrella Morente](/source/Estrella_Morente) - [Lola Flores](/source/Lola_Flores) (some do not consider her a flamenco singer, although she did sing) - [Fosforito](/source/Antonio_Fern%C3%A1ndez_D%C3%ADaz) - [Lebrijano](/source/Lebrijano) - La Perla de Cádiz - Terremoto de Jerez - [El Chocolate](/source/El_Chocolate) - Manolo Leiva - [Duquende](/source/Duquende) - [Pepe Marchena](/source/Pepe_Marchena) - [Chano Lobato](/source/Chano_Lobato) - [José Mercé](/source/Jos%C3%A9_Merc%C3%A9) (who, like Camarón, started singing flamenco and then added new elements) - [Antonio Molina](/source/Antonio_Molina_(singer)) - [Niña Pastori](/source/Ni%C3%B1a_Pastori) - [Mayte Martín](/source/Mayte_Mart%C3%ADn) - [Juan Valderrama](/source/Juan_Valderrama) - [Rocio Jurado](/source/Rocio_Jurado) ## See also - [Glossary of flamenco terms](/source/Glossary_of_flamenco_terms) - [Federico Garcia Lorca](/source/Federico_Garcia_Lorca) - [Flamenco Chill](/source/Flamenco_Chill) - [Flamenco guitar](/source/Flamenco_guitar) - [Paco de Lucia](/source/Paco_de_Lucia) - [Palo (flamenco)](/source/Palo_(flamenco)) - [New Flamenco](/source/New_Flamenco) - [Spanish translation in the Golden Age](/source/Spanish_translation_in_the_Golden_Age) - [Category:Music of Andalusia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Music_of_Andalusia) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Thomas, Samuel. ["Correlates between Berber and Flamenco Rhythms"](https://www.academia.edu/5669246). *Academia.edu*. Retrieved 12 December 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Soliloquios Flamencos: LORQUEÑAS Y ZORONGO"](http://soliloquiosflamencos.blogspot.com/2011/01/lorquenas-y-zorongo.html). *Soliloquiosflamencos.blogspot.com*. 2011-01-13. Retrieved 2018-03-12. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Hosting Averroes ha sido clausurado"](http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/averroes/cpmariadona/zon@ctiva/actv_varias/flamenco/FedericGarciaLorca.htm). *Juntadeandalucia.es*. Retrieved 2018-03-12. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Documento sin título"](http://www.pepeportillo.eu/flamenco/solea.htm). *Pepeportillo.eu*. Retrieved 2018-03-12. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Delgado, Pedro (2012-11-06). ["FELIPE LARA ( 43 ) Lorqueña por bulería"](http://pedelgom.blogspot.com/2012/11/felipe-lara-43.html). *Pedelgom.blogspot.com*. Retrieved 2018-03-12. ## Further reading - Alvarez Caballero, Angel: *Historia del Cante Flamenco*, Alianza Editorial, Madrid, 1981. - Garcia Lorca, Federico: *In Search of Duende*. Edition by Christopher Maurer. New Direction Books, New York, 1998. - Totton, Robin: *Song of the Outcast - An Introduction to Flamenco*, Amadeus Press, Oregon, 2003. ## External links - [Cante...The Song](https://web.archive.org/web/20070408161216/http://www.centroflamenco.com/history.html) - [Centro Flamenco](http://www.novareinna.com/romani/song.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180930115752/http://www.novareinna.com/romani/song.html) 2018-09-30 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) - [World Music Central](https://web.archive.org/web/20070824033547/http://www.worldmusiccentral.org/article.php?story=20030421193728879) - [El Cante Flamenco](https://web.archive.org/web/20070328225839/http://culturitalia.uibk.ac.at/hispanoteca/Musik-Spanien/Flamenco/El%20cante%20flamenco.htm) (in Spanish) - [El Flamenco](https://web.archive.org/web/20070403125818/http://www.denison.edu/modlangs/spanish/musica/flamenco/flam_bai3.html) (in Spanish) - [El mundo de Flamenco](https://web.archive.org/web/20071008205950/http://www.serraniaderonda.com/flamenco/ida_vuelta.htm) (in Spanish) v t e Music of Spain Styles Bolero Catalan rumba Chirigota Copla Cuplé Endecha Ensalada Fandango Folia Isa Jácara Jota Muiñeira New flamenco Nova Cançó Pasacalle Pasodoble Rock català Rock urbano Seguidilla Sevillana Tajaraste Tiento Tonadilla Tono humano Villancico Xiringüelu Zarzuela Género chico Romani Flamenco (palos) Alegrías Alboreá Bambera Bulerías Cante Cante jondo Cantes a palo seco Cantes libres Cantiñas Campanilleros Cartageneras Farruca Flamenco jazz Garrotín Granaína Guajiras Malagueñas Martinetes Peteneras Polo Rumba Saeta Siguiriyas Soleá Soleá por bulerías Tango Tarantas Tientos Tonás Verdiales Zambra Romani (Gypsy) Music by region Andalusia Aragon Balearic Islands Basque Country Canary Islands Castile and Leon Catalonia Extremadura Galicia, Cantabria and Asturias Murcia Navarre and La Rioja Valencia Music by genre Spanish folk music Spanish jazz Spanish hip hop Spanish opera Spanish rock Music festivals Benidorm Fest Benidorm Song Festival Eurovision Song Contest Festival Internacional de Santander Junior Eurovision Song Contest OTI Festival Musical instruments Alboka Bandurria Castanets Catalan shawm Chácaras Cross-strung harp Dulzaina Fiscorn Flabiol Gaita gastoreña Gralla Guitarra de canya Guitarro Kirikoketa Palmas Psalterium Rabel Tambori Timple Trikiti Txalaparta Txistu Vihuela Viol Xirula Zambomba Gaita Asturian de boto Cabreiresa Galician Odrecillo de saco Sanabresa Sac de gemecs Xeremia Guitar Baroque Classical Flamenco Latina Morisca Music ensembles Cobla Charanga Chirigota Comparsa Rondalla Tuna Authority control databases: National Spain --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Cante flamenco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cante_flamenco) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cante_flamenco?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.