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Review

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. An introductory course in flamenco appreciationBy PenumbraFlamenco is all about the song and; outside Andalusia; the song is often the least understood or enjoyed part of a flamenco performance. With true flamenco; the guitarist exists to support the song; the dancer is there to physically express the song. In flamenco the song is paramount.In "Song of the Outcasts" Robin Totton has put together an excellent introduction to flamenco for English speaking audiences. He has studied his subject and takes the time to clearly explain the history and significance of the various forms; and the roles of the performers. Best of all; there is a CD attached to the inside back cover that aurally illustrates what the author is talking about when he refers to various techniques and styles.Chapters include: The Song; The Dance; The Guitar and Its Music; The Song Forms; Where is Flamenco Heading; Who Are the Gypsies of Andalusia?; and a nice Glossary of terms.For those who enjoy a flamenco performance but dont know much about the art; this book is like taking a Learning Annex course in Flamenco 101. You wont learn to sing; dance or play the guitar - but you will come away with a greater understanding of; and appreciation for; those who do.Recommended5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Knowledge That Opens the EarsBy Dr. Debra Jan BibelWith so few books on flamenco in English; we are fortunate to have Robin Tottons; for it is excellent in its insights and survey of flamencos many forms; palos. A musician and scholar; he probes in turn the song; the dance; and the role and style of the guitar. He explains what makes a great rendition of each contributor. He clarifies the divergence in rhythmic accents of cantaor and guitarist in; for instance; the soleaacute;; which had long challenged my grasp. Tottons observations on Spanish gypsy; or Caloacute;; culture support our understanding of this powerful art form. We learn not to focus on the melody but on the words; the emotions; and the rhythm. As in classical musics leider or art song; the artists emphasis on the songs poems is key to a fine performance. A glossary; including gypsy words; in included. We are also treated to a CD of 76 minutes that provide examples of the various palos. Most are recorded and discussed by the author and the sound is very good. He incorporates historical aspects of the music and the gypsies themselves. Photographs of performers also enhance this study. Thus; the book is a wonderful and worthwhile "introduction." But it is so thorough that I wonder what an advance book would be! If you listen to flamenco and wish to know more; find and buy this book. It will open your ears.14 of 14 people found the following review helpful. CD and Book combination excellent introduction to FlamencoBy Laura H. DivineyThe combination of book and CD gives the student of Flamenco an excellent introduction to this artform. The CD covers a wide variety of categories and interpretations of the music born of unique roots and influences. The book not only describes the history of Flamenco songs; dance and personalities; but details the musicology. By setting the artform in its social; political; economic; geographic; religious and psychological context; the selections on the cd take the listener to a deeper understanding of a rare (and becoming rarer) expression of the human spirit.I enjoy this product very much and have shared it with others.