The mesmerising music of many faces

Flamenco refers to the popular music style that emerged around the mid-1800's in southern Spain, especially in and around the cities of Seville, Cadiz, Jerez, and Malaga. The roots of flamenco have come from many sources: Morocco, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Greece and other parts of Near and Far East.

Gypsies are very often named as its fathers, and at least can be credited for playing an important part of their creation.

Flamenco exists in three forms: Cante, the song, Baile, the dance, and Guitarra, guitar playing. Flamenco started with only singing, with some hand clapping known as "palmas". The guitar came later. Usually the singers and guitarists are male and the dancers are female.

While western music is often felt from beat to beat, flamenco is felt from measure to measure. The skill developed by flamenco guitarists takes them to one of the highest standards in the world of guitar.

Today there are many ways flamenco can be performed. In new, some say impure, flamenco, flute, sax and a lot of percussion instruments are being used.