Gerhard Graf Martinez Flamenco Guitar Method

This book and accompanying video provide a thorough introduction to flamenco guitar. What are the essential elements and techniques of flamenco guitar playing? How does one capture the real essence of authentic flamenco guitar? These are questions that Juan Martin, celebrated virtuoso flamenco guitarist and teacher, addresses in this first book of a projected three-volume series.

The acclaimed first volume of this exciting series gave extensive insights into basic techniques of flamenco guitar playing and the two important rhythmic forms (palos) of Solea and Alegrias. This second volume continues on with an exploration of further essential rhythmic palos. The first of these, occupying the whole of the first DVD, is the Bulerias.

A Spanish guitarist and composer, Carlos Montoya made a lasting contribution to music between the 20s and 50s. He introduced the flamenco style of music as a serious form of guitar music. Traditionally flamenco music was used to accompany gypsy folk dancers and singers but Carlos Montoya changed it into a main genre of music.

Although Benjamin Britten's guitar music represents a very small part of his oeuvre, it contains all the dramatic genius of his greatest works. Britten’s interest in the guitar sprang from his friendship with the famous English virtuoso Julian Bream (1933-2020), to whom his guitar works are dedicated. Bream began performing with Britten’s partner, the tenor Peter Pears, in 1952. In order to expand the duo’s concert programs, Britten (1913-76) dedicated the sixth volume of his Folksongs arrangements to them. Written between 1956 and 1958, these songs illustrate both the composer’s affection for English musical heritage and his conception of the art song.

Jonathan Jiménez comes from a family of flamenco artists. He is El Cigala’s cousin and the grandson of Araceli Vargas, a gypsy guitarist famous in the history of the flamenco guitar who performed with artists such as Manolo Caracol, La Niña de los Peines, Rafael Farina or Farruco.

Some of Flamenco's most beloved compositions, performed by the genre's undisputed King, Carlos Montoya. Flamenco Magic is a set of recordings from 1980 containing many of Montoya’s best and most beloved works. The tracks featured are all performed unaccompanied, casting a rare undiluted spotlight on his virtuosity.
Carlos Montoya was born in December 1903, in Madrid, to a Gypsy family. From an early age he fostered a keen interest in music, and became the first to present Flamenco as serious music to concert audiences. Primarily self-taught, the young Montoya learned by playing for singers and dancers at the cafes cantantes in Madrid, notably for La Teresina and La Argentina. He later toured with La Argentina as her accompanist.
Montoya began to give flamenco guitar recitals in 1948; thereafter he toured frequently throughout the world, and was the first flamenco guitarist to perform as a soloist with major orchestras. Recording over 40 albums, some traditional flamenco and others with orchestras, Montoya remained in the USA and died on March 3, 1993, and is still regarded as the finest exponent of the flamenco guitar.