The Evolution of a Soleares Falseta

Here are some variations on the same idea recorded in the 1930's, the 1950's and the 1970's.
 

Ramón Montoya, 1936, "Soleares."

This is the earliest version I have came across. Another variation of this falseta is heard in another soleá from these solo recordings.


 

Agustín Castellón "Sabicas," 1957-8, La Guitarra Flamenca, "Soleares."

The falseta is still in triplets, but Sabicas gives it a complete overhaul. Notice the unusual B note in the F chord in measure three (second note seventh beat).


Paco de Lucía, 1970 with Naranjito de Triana, "Soleá del Fillo y Triana."

The "cierre" (beats 10-12) is typical of one of his mentors, Manuel Serrapí, "Niño Ricardo." The figure at beat nine is very unusual.


 

Enrique de Melchor, 1976 with Mairena, "Para que Dios."

This falseta opens the track, pausing at beats three and six for nearly two counts each. Here the idea is written out in time. At beat nine the thirty-second notes could have been written as grace notes. If you have trouble reading them just play a very fast slur, pausing on the third note (the A) before the quick fourth and fifth notes. Enrique's left hand is amazing!

Flamenco Guitar Transcriptions:
Collections of transcriptions of soleares and siguiriyas falsetas from the 1900's to the 1990's in standard notation, tablature, and cassette. Check out the samples in .gif and .mp3 files.

 

 
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