Many traditionalists deplore the Flamenco guitar’s use as a solo concert instrument. Understandably, they are anxious that the art has lost touch with its roots as a vital part of the Cante. Admittedly, the widespread interest in the classical guitar has allowed many enthusiasts to appreciate the Flamenco guitar as well, having a limited knowledge of the instrument’s history. The upside, however, of that argument, is that people who live outside Andalusia will delve into the heritage of Flamenco, in its most integral form in the Cante, from which flows much of the Flamenco guitar’s strengths.
The roots of Flamenco music lie deep in ancient traditions. This music, therefore, can express the global themes of hope and despair, which communicate across cultures. Its improvised nature gives it spontaneity, which has a broad appeal across the cultural spectrum. Although inspired by the Cante and the Baile, solo Flamenco artists find their own validity, voicing their most powerful feelings without even a word. When guitarists move beyond the cold display of their technical virtuosity, the art of solo playing can acquire a new self-sufficiency and musicality. Granted, technical standards are higher than ever, but guitarists must learn to see these skills as tools to help them attain a higher purpose, that goal to express the entire range of human emotion in their music.
The future for Flamenco is bright and far-reaching. Although pop music has lured some musicians into its grasp, the quest for depth of meaning and tradition will draw many artists deeper into the inspiration of the Cante, ensuring that the living tradition of Flamenco will grow further as a serious art form which is international in scope, yet contemporary in its ability to communicate universal truths, ones that transcend time.
