lamenco compás
Flamenco compás By Sal Bonavita
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lamenco compás
Flam enco com pás Contents What is a compás? The compás clock Soleares Alegrías Bulerias Siguiriyas Other methods of counting compás Dream up your own method Use a metronome Flamenco metronomes
W h a t i s co m p á s This is the metered out rhythm, or beat cycle of a dance/song form. It is the basic element of flamenco rhythm. Specifically, compás is a recurring cycle of beats analogous to a bar of music. The beat cycle may be 2, 4, 6, 8 or 12 beats, depending on the rhythmic form. Although there are typical accents within the cycle that a beginner would learn, these accents may vary to accommodate the syncopated variations that artists introduce into the music. Rhythmic syncopations are inevitable as the music gets more complex, but the basic "feeling" and "heartbeat" must always be there for something to be called flamenco. After a brief flight of syncopated rhythm or melody, some of the typical accents are expected to return to the music and be clearly heard, like returning regularly to a home base. With 12 beat rhythms, it is especially important to know exactly where you are in the cycle. What you don't do is leave out a beat or add an extra one because you feel like it. There is enough scope to be creative in flamenco without being careless. If
lamenco compás
It should be noted that using the 12 positions of a clock face to indicate the typical accents of 12 beat forms is NOT a universally accepted concept. Be aware that there are flamenco snobs who will laugh at the idea as being overly simplistic. However, I believe this method of visualising compás can be enlightening for beginners and helps to clear much of the fog surrounding flamenco rhythms. The point is that you should eventually aim to internalise the compás and "feel" the rhythm without reference to visual aids.
Soleares
lamenco compás
T h i s is w h a t t h e l i n e a r c o m p á s r e l a t i o n sh i p s l oo k l i k e
T h i s d ia g r a m i s f r o m f l a m e n c o - a q u i . d k
O t h e r m e t h o d s o f c o u n t i n g c om p á s
Some people count a 12 beat cycle always starting on one. Bulerías accents would therefore be interpreted as
1
23
4
56
7 89
10
11
12
Siguiriyas would be interpreted as
1 23 45
67
8
9 10
11
12.
I feel a headache coming on. Do you find that helpful? I don't. Starting everything on the count of one is as clear as mud to a beginner. I believe in keeping things simple to begin with. Then there are those who insist you should not be counting at all. That's fine for someone with lots of experience with flamenco, but if we examine the motives behind such a statement, I can't help but conclude that this attitude arises from a simple personal prejudice. T o b e s o st u b b o r n a n d p e d a n t i c i s n o t h e l p f u l . One of the things to avoid all all costs, is to start thinking in terms of " m y i n t e r pr e t a t i on i s r i g h t a n d y o u r s i s w r o n g" . There is no wrong and right here. They are all simply that - interpretations - and in the end they all serve the same purpose. Once you have internalized the compás, I agree that is it best to stop relying on counting with numbers. See further comments
lamenco compás
Fl a m e n c o m e t r o n o m e s Flamenco Metronome Compás 3.0 graf-martinez.info
This metronome comes packed with features including preset practice time structures including twelve beat. You will love the scrolling simple music sheets for the major flamenco rhythms, (buleria, soleá Siguiriya etc). It also comes with a three, six and four count which for use as a standard metronome. With a giant clock used to tick away the beat count it would greatly benefit all those looking to polish their Flamenco rhythm understanding. The most striking thing about this metronome is it's sleek design which provides access to all its features at once. The clock keeping the count is very large and easy to read. Volume and Tempo are controlled using sliders with the tempo ranging from 0 to 270 beats per minute. If you are serious about your flamenco you really must check this one out. Mundobeat Plus ugcarray.com/vko/mundosoft.htm
lamenco compás
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