Full of excitement and forward impulsion, the toque called Bulerias can be one of the greatest challenges for Flamenco guitarists. Its bouncing pulse and technical demands make it one of the most dazzling pieces in the virtuoso’s repertoire. One of the most important toques in Flamenco in the modern era, Bulerias has a wide range and diversity of expression that makes it imperative for aspiring Flamenco guitarists to learn. A guitarist, therefore, should ideally begin its study early; in fact, it is better to do so, since its powerful rhythm is the driving force that is at the very heart of Flamenco music. The earlier that you begin to internalize its steady pulse and accentuation, the easier it will be when you bring the toque up to full speed.
We cannot emphasize enough the importance of learning the principle that the passion that is Flamenco does not depend upon speed. Rather, you should strive to master the pulse and accentuation of its compas. By learning to play Bulerias very slowly, even as a beginner, you will focus more on understanding its pulse and its accents, in both the rasgueo and in the falsetas. By learning at a slow pace, your learning will prove more effective than rushing, thereby losing the pace of the rhythm. Speed will come as you master the form.
The History of Bulerias
A Gitano-derived word, ‘Bulerias’ comes from the Spanish word ‘buleria,’ which means ‘torn-foolery’ or ‘ridicule.’ Many theories abound on its roots. A recent development of the Cante Gitano, it appears to be barely a century old. Still associated with the Gitanos, Bulerias is a toque with enormous flexibility, ever-evolving in style. Some like to call it ‘omnivorous,’ since much music from other genres, namely pop songs, even non-Spanish music, has been set to its compas. Often dances, including Soleares, Alegrias, and other toques, end with a flourish by introducing Bulerias at the climax.
The compas itself is closely related to Soleares. It may have begun with the remates (faster music) with which Gitano singers customarily ended their Soleares. The initial styles of Bulerias are slower in pace than what we see today. Termed Bulerias al Golpe, these pieces have a marked rhythm and strongly emphasized accents. The aire of the Bulerias al Golpe, are distinguished from the faster Bulerias by their passionate, serious, even tragic feeling. The faster Bulerias, called Bulerias Ligadas, have a prevailing sense of gaiety, frivolity, and ecstatic abandon. These joyous, spirited songs have become widely popular for their humor and good cheer, often accompanying festive dances, but also serving as thrilling solos for the best guitarists in the world.
Today, the Bulerias guitar style has come a long way, having evolved even over the last ten years. Keeping the same basic compas, new rasgueos have altered the aire, as well as have more complex syncopation, contratiempo and new, jazz and pop-influenced harmonies.