History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Mel Bay Play Solo Flamenco Guitar with Juan Martin Book, CD, and DVD: Vol. 1

Average customer rating:

Excellent Graded Flamenco Solos
Jean Martin
Juan Martin's Method
Not for absolute beginners
Fantastic book, CD and DVD

Mel Bay Play Solo Flamenco Guitar with Juan Martin Book, CD, and DVD: Vol. 1
Juan Martin
Manufacturer: Mel Bay Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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Mel Bay Play Solo Flamenco Guitar with Juan Martin, Vol. 2
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Flamenco Guitar Method Volume 1: Book/CD/DVD Pack
Mel Bay's Flamenco Guitar: Basic Techniques (Technicas Basicas)

ASIN: 0786664584

Book Description

Designed as a comprehensive multimedia teaching set, this book, CD, and DVD present 42 solos, progressively graded in 6 levels from absolute beginners to more advanced, to suit players of all levels. It contains examples of eighteen different palos (rhythmic forms) of flamenco, with a wealth of melodic falsetas and rhythms. The music for all these is accurately written in notation and flamenco tab (cifra) in the book, and is also recorded on the companion CD. The DVD video contains over 57 minutes of solo music, and also includes introduction by Juan Martín and brief scenes of Andalucia today, which help to place this profoundly exciting and deeply felt music in the landscape of its origins. Juan Martín has succeeded here is showing how even music which is simple and very easy to start with can express the essential sound and emotion of flamenco, to build step by step the skills necessary for the performance of concert solos. Written in English and Spanish.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Graded Flamenco Solos.......2007-09-21

Juan Martin's "Solo Flamenco Guitar vol 1" is not so much instructional in terms of technique but is rather a collection of beautiful, progressively graded flamenco solos in many 'palos'(rhythmic styles). Absolute begginers may get frustrated with the lack of explanation here, however, use of this book in conjunction with a method such as Dennis Kosters excellent Mel Bay presents The Keys to Flamenco Guitar, Volume 1, and the begginer will find Martins solos opening to them.
As an intermediate player I am thrilled with Mr. Martins collection and presentation. The DVD is an especially useful training tool, and entertainig on its own. In vol's 1 & 2 he has given me several years worth of material for study. I can't recommend this series highly enough. Now, I've listened to enough Paco while I write this and must pick up my guitar and play.

Jean Martin.......2007-09-12

A good start for people who wish to learn flamenco and allready play the guitar.

Juan Martin's Method .......2007-05-21

Very good method. Although it does not teaches how to do "rasqueo", "tresillos", "golpes" & "picados" (vital component for the more advanced pieces), it should give the student a basic understanding of the tempo flamenco style. Again for anything beyond level 0, those techniques are required!

Not for absolute beginners.......2007-01-16

The entry level of this book is for an advanced beginner and/or someone with prior guitar experience.
If I work at it, I can do the first two stages of the book.
Other people with greater skill than me will appreciate this book more.
The intermediate and advanced stages use the same songs as in the introductory stages, but with much more difficult technique and variation.
Sometimes, simpler is better.
I give a 4 out of 5 because the songs are good, layout good and the 2 CD's are very good. One is a music CD and the other is an instructional video to watch and learn.
Great help if you are trying to teach yourself how to play.

Fantastic book, CD and DVD.......2006-12-07

This was money well spent. The DVD and CD are fun to listen to on their own even without a goal of studying flamenco. Juan Martin's demeanor is very warm and his short anecdotes are interesting. The material itself was useful, well-documented and easy to understand.

Before I bought this, I wasn't sure if I wanted to dedicate too much time towards flamenco guitar but after watching some of the video and trying some of the pieces I felt more inspired to study and practice flamenco guitar.

As long as the buyer understands that this is intended more as a repertoire book than a basic instructional book then the buyer should enjoy this book and DVD. This product is not intended as a basic How-To for flamenco guitar.

Flamenco Guitar Method Volume 1: Book/CD/DVD Pack

Average customer rating:

The best value in Flamenco Guitar lessons --- EVER
Flamenco guitarist
Good, but not for the beginner
flamenco guitar lessons

Flamenco Guitar Method Volume 1: Book/CD/DVD Pack
Gerhard Graf-Martinez
Manufacturer: Schott
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Flamenco Guitar Method 1
Mel Bay Play Solo Flamenco Guitar with Juan Martin Book, CD, and DVD: Vol. 1
Flamenco Guitar Method - Volume 2 (Book + DVD)
Mel Bay Art Of Rasgueado
Gipsy Guitar w/2 CD (Flamenco Guitar)

ASIN: 3795757681

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

The best value in Flamenco Guitar lessons --- EVER.......2007-06-25

Gerhard Graf-Martínez has produced an excellent lesson on Flamenco guitar. I have taken weekly lessons for five years in this discipline and find Volume I adequately challenging.

Graf-Martínez presents technique in great detail and the DVD provides video examples which clear any confusion. The slow-tempo versions of pieces and exercises are slow-enough that I find I can play-along with him after a few minutes learning each. I find I can then play the correct-tempo versions after a few days.

I am looking forward to Volume II.

Flamenco guitarist.......2007-05-20

Please see my review for the volume 2. This is the same review as the books should be together as one set. They compliment each other so well.
Gerhard is a great master. I wish I could meet him some day.
Enjoy.

Good, but not for the beginner.......2007-04-28

Overview
======
Gerhard Graf-Martínez, according to the Preface, has played guitar for forty years, and been a professional Flamenco player and teacher for over twenty, having organised classes with Andrés Batista in 1983 and 1984. Shortly after giving this information, the author writes: "I will be pleased to answer any questions related to this guitar method and Flamenco in general", giving address, phone, fax, website and e-mail ! This is certainly a generous, not to say astonishing, offer.

His Flamenco Guitar Method is an ambitious undertaking, comprising two DVDs and their corresponding books, plus a CD.

This Method is not for beginners to the guitar, although it might serve for beginners to Flamenco: "Notation and tablature are not explained in this book because I assume that everyone knows these facts, as well as the basic techniques of the classical guitar". I would advise at least a year of playing, and preferably two, before attempting it. Also, of course, to play any kind of music well you must listen to it -- lots of it -- until you know it intimately.

The books I received are entirely in English; German versions are also available. The DVDs allow either German or English to be selected. In either case the underlying video is the same, but if English is chosen the captions are in English -- as is the audio, except when the author is shown speaking. When the latter happens, his German explanations are muted, while he provides voice-overs in English that is fluent, clear and grammatical. The effect is quite satisfactory, rather like the BBC showing one of Yasser Arafat's speeches. There is none of the nightmarish sensation you get from the dubbing in old Bruce Lee movies.

The English of the books is also idiomatic (with a very few exceptions, noted later). Mercifully, the English as She Is Spoke days of books like "Historia y técnica de la guitarra flamenca" seem to be behind us.

Content
======
Volume 1 is concerned primarily with building technique. It exhibits a finer-grained attention to detail than I have yet seen, starting with photographs of, and a discussion of, the different playing-positions of Manolo Sanlúcar, Sabicas and Paco de Lucía, plus the traditional position and the casual one with legs crossed.

The first glitches come with the explanation of signs. We may easily forgive the use of "mano izquierda" and "derecha" for left and right hands, similarly "bemol" and "sostenido" for flat and sharp. And the use of the German H for the note B, while an error in English, is understandable. But the symbols given for the strings of the guitar appear to be gibberish. Three of them seem to be from the Zapf Dingbats font, which certainly contains circled numbers that can be used for guitar string indications -- I use them myself. But only one of the symbols is a circled number, a 3, and that is assigned to the top E string; the other two symbols are an arrow and a club (card suit) symbol, assigned to the 4th & 3rd strings respectively.

Normalcy resumes with explanations of rasgueado, followed by rasgueado exercises. All the exercises in the book are simple but accurate flamenco rhythms. 3-finger, 4-finger and continuous rasgueado are covered.

From here we pass to thumb exercises, and then thumb plus rasgueado, progressing to ayudado (thumb plus finger), taps, and the right-hand rhythm for rumba, followed by more advanced types of rasgueado.

Lesson 5 switches to the topic of the flamenco guitar itself, its makers and its players. I particularly liked the chart on p. 82 showing how the styles of the famous guitarists of the last century have developed from each other. While I (and I doubt the author either) would not claim it expressed any fixed eternal truth, it gave (for example) Paco de Lucía's immediate ancestors as Estebán Sanlúcar, Sabicas, Escudero, and Ricardo via Ramón de Algeciras, which I thought was pretty accurate.

Next come discussions of nails, palmas, compás and the flamenco clock (which is a metaphor for understanding flamenco rhythms). The tutorial material of Volume 1 concludes with a page on the Phrygian mode, here referred to (correctly) as the modo dórico. Finally there is a pretty extensive glossary, a list of flamenco establishments, and an index.

Presentation
=========
The benchmark in instructional flamenco videos has hitherto been set by Encuentro Productions. The present production certainly matches this, and goes further to include features I have not yet seen elsewhere.

The demonstrations in the video, like the photographs in the book, are extremely clear. But further, by using the cursor buttons on your remote, you can vary the camera angle, from facing the artist to one of about 45°, which gives the best view of the right hand.

When musical examples are played, the bottom third of the screen shows the relevant tablature, with a moving cursor showing the notes currently being played (if you have Finale, you already know how this feature looks). But not only this, you can switch at will from a full-speed version to a slow version; the transition is absolutely seamless.

The picture quality is high, and the whole production is extremely professional.

As regards the book, I should also say that it also contains many good photographs of flamenco artists; in particular, absolutely beautiful black-and-white full-page ones by Elke Stolzenberg.

This book is also available in a version without the DVD (at the time of writing, Amazon enticingly invites you to buy both together). See also my review of Volume 2.

flamenco guitar lessons.......2007-03-08

Good book, well written, and well explained. I am using the practice methods and I am satisfied with my results. When I can play all the exercises by the end of this vol. 1 book (and I will be able to acomplish this) I feel I will be a pretty versatile flamenco guitsrist.

I will buy vol. 2 to continue the lesseons by Graf - Martinez.

I reccommend this flamenco guitar exercise book.

Average customer rating:

Dry and somewhat disappointing!!
What a deception!

Gipsy Guitar w/2 CD (Flamenco Guitar)

Manufacturer: Schott
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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Flamenco Guitar Method Volume 1: Book/CD/DVD Pack
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ASIN: 3795755093

Book Description

Flamenco is once again incredibly popular and modern Flamenco groups like the Gipsy Kings are topping the charts with international hits like "Rumba flamenca." In Gipsy Guitar the author shows guitarists how to enter the world of the rumba flamenca, and demonstrates the techniques necessary for solo playing and accompaniment. The publication contains printed music (staves and tablature) and two excellent companion CDs. German/English text.

Customer Reviews:

Dry and somewhat disappointing!!.......2007-01-20

Maybe I was expecting something unique. I thought this book was expensive and uninspired. It has a brief history of Flamenco for which is always helpful but, the examples are repetitive and not very "hip" melodically and there's not much variety. I would recommend Juan Martin's Solo Flamenco book volume 1. There are a wealth of ideas and some history behind some of the Soleas, Alegrias, Rumbas, Sevillanas etc. It also includes CD/DVD package for $20 here on Amazon, The Juan Martin is challenging, but if you want to learn this style it's going to be. You may want to skip this method

What a deception!.......2006-08-29

So many of this title sold so far, but still not one review!!! Have you an idea why!!? This product is a real deception: just because the cds which are supposed to be playing the role of the teacher with such books, are bin bound.

What I mean is that the pair of cds are of no help to understand the techniques taught in the book, as the passages are played by a band with different instruments and with added electrical effects. Cd2 has the same content as cd1 but in slower version. The book is a good one though, but with such a style as the Gypsy Flamenco or Flamenco itself, you need to lean on a serious guide, which the cds do not provide.

I had placed a lot of expectations in that book&cds when ordering it, but.., what a deception!

Mel Bay Play Solo Flamenco Guitar with Juan Martin, Vol. 2

Average customer rating:

Juan Martin
Amazing.
Flamencoguitar
Juan Martin's Books are Awesome!
Juan Martin's flamenco guitar method

Mel Bay Play Solo Flamenco Guitar with Juan Martin, Vol. 2
Juan Martin
Manufacturer: Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

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ASIN: 0786662387

Book Description

This second volume, of a two-part series, contains a book, CD and DVD by internationally recognized flamenco guitarist, Juan Martin. Provided are more than 21 solos, progressively graded in the three higher grades, 6 to 8, to suit players at intermediate and more advanced stages, who already have some experience of the instrument and techniques of flamenco. The music for all these is accurately written in notation and flamenco tab (cifra) and (except for the two final solos) is also included on the companion CD. The DVD contains over 60 minutes of music. All text is provided in both English and Spanish.

Customer Reviews:

Juan Martin.......2007-09-12

It's a great flamenco guitar learning book...
Got full of flamenco's teq. writtin in both Notation and Tabs...
it's really worth it...
My sug. to all people who wish to learn flamenco and do play the guitar still go for Level 1 befor jumpin to level 2...

Amazing........2007-07-15

I also have his first book. He is an amazing guitar player. The CD is also nice to just listen to. This book will provide plenty of hours of practice to keep you busy. You definitely get your bang for the buck as there are plenty of songs, the tabs also show you which fingers to use and the DVD is really helpful. I highly recommend this, if it were lost or stolen i would buy another.

Flamencoguitar.......2007-01-10

I think that You can get more of Play Solo Guitar with Juan Martin, Vol 2 if you first have practice Vol 1. It,s exellent work to build your skills in Flamenco

Juan Martin's Books are Awesome!.......2006-08-09

Vol. 1 and 2 are great, especially for the self-educated guitarist. The DVD's are clear and easy to follow. The pieces are fun to learn and play.

Juan Martin's flamenco guitar method.......2006-07-17

I'd already purchased Juan Martin's Flamenco tutor volume 1, and was thoroughly delighted by it : it is well-graded, with a logical progression, the music is great and Juan's smiling explanations and remarks are crystal-clear. I could not wish for a better introduction to playing flamenco guitar, and I have recommended it to all my classical guitar students.

The second volume is a logical continuation of the first. I've yet to get to work at it, but after scanning through it rapidly, I am convinced it will yield hours of enjoyment (and hard work) to enthusiastic players. And as always, Juan's sensitive and brillant playing really wants you to get at it !

Alan Bennett

Average customer rating:

Andale, Andale, Andale!!!
Colorful Read!!!
Authentic and riveting
loved the book...wanta dance!
If you like mindless pathetic characters this is for you

The Flamenco Academy
Sarah Bird
Manufacturer: Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Yokota Officers Club: A Novel (Ballantine Reader's Circle)
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Left Bank
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ASIN: 1400040841
Release Date: 2006-06-06

Book Description

From the author of the widely praised The Yokota Officers Club, a superbly alive novel about two young American women caught up in the fevered excitement of the flamenco revival sweeping the Southwest.

The place is Albuquerque. Cyndi Rae Hrncir, called Rae, seventeen and shy, is twice spellbound, first by high school bad girl Didi (“Dirty Deeds”) Steinberg, already embarked on a search for stardom, then by a devastatingly handsome young flamenco guitarist, Tomás Montenegro. Soon the girls are in college, where they abandon themselves to the disciplines and demands of the university’s flamenco academy and to the hypnotic storytelling of their teacher, Doña Carlota, Tomás’s great-aunt. While never losing the insistent beat of the dance, Doña Carlota mesmerizes her students with the complexly embroidered story of her childhood growing up among the cave-dwelling Gypsies of Andalusia. She initiates them into the traditions, the rhythms, and the steps of flamenco puro, with its central imperative: “Dame la verdad”—Give me the truth.

Locked in a volatile triangle and driven by obsession—Didi’s with stardom, Rae’s with Tomás, Tomás’s with his mysterious heritage—these three emerge as the brightest stars on the New World flamenco scene, while secrets and desires, longings and betrayals pulse just beneath the glittering surface of their compelling performances.

A sense of passion and danger has always surrounded flamenco. In The Flamenco Academy, Sarah Bird delivers a novel with a sense of history and character that matches the drama of the dance it so brilliantly celebrates.

Customer Reviews:

Andale, Andale, Andale!!!.......2007-09-07

I thought I knew what flamenco was: women dancers in gaudy ruffled dresses, spit-curled hair, with clicking castanets, and men in close-fitting jumpsuits stomp-dancing theatrically around each other, an "Andale" thrown in here and there for good measure. After reading "The Flamenco Academy" by Austin writer Sarah Bird, I find I knew nothing at all.

Flamenco is a world unto itself, a cult, certainly a religion of sorts, where the dancers, the guitarists, and the singers are seeking purity and perfection, "flamenco puro."

The novel begins like any other coming-of-age story, two misfit girls finding each other when both their fathers die of cancer. Didi is the wild, plucky tramp, chasing after rock bands, while Rae, the narrator of the novel as well as the nerdy math wizard, follows in Didi's shadows. At one of Didi's groupie parties, Rae meets the enigmatic and fiercely handsome, Tomas Montenegro, flamenco guitarist extraordinaire.

After Tomas has disappeared from her life, Rae becomes obsessed with flamenco. For years she studies the dance, learns the music and the culture, in an effort to become the woman she thinks Tomas will love -- when and if she finds him again. Ultimately, she does.

With the introduction of Dona Carlota, the steely, "gypsy-on-four-sides" dance teacher, the novel takes flight. Dona Carlota, who happens to be Tomas Montenegro's aunt, tells fantastical stories as she teaches her students, of the cave-dwelling gypsies of Granada, of the heavy-handed Generalissimo Francisco Franco during the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s, of the poet and flamenco aficionado Frederico Garcia Lorca.

Dona Carlotta's stories have a mystical quality and comprise most of the middle, and the best parts, of the novel. It is through her stories that the reader begins to understand the passion of flamenco, and to grasp its seductiveness.

Writers don't much like to have their work compared to other writers, or even to their own earlier works. Sarah Bird's previous novels and the characters in them have often been wry and humorous. "The Flamenco Academy" is a departure. There is very little humor here.

Instead there are splendid scenes of explosive dance, the heels on the shoes "aiming for a place one inch beneath the floor," hammering ancient dust from the wooden planks. And there is the drama of the guitarist's long-nailed, sensuous fingers plucking the music from his instrument, and the "wailing, warbling, sobbing" voice of the singer echoing off the walls.

All this is accomplished with a beguiling ease and artistry that drives the narrative even more than the story of love and hate, betrayal and deception. Sarah Bird has recreated the flamenco world and she pulls her reader into it with a clever hand.

Colorful Read!!!.......2007-03-03

I enjoyed this book. It was chosen by my book club and is different from the books I normally read. Ms Bird's descriptive powers are great. I was interested in the ins and outs of flamenco. Who knew they had flamenco at The University of New Mexico? I enjoyed her characters and found them very believable. It truly was a colorful read and I highly recommend it.

Authentic and riveting.......2007-02-17

I was very pleasantly surprised by The flamenco Academy. It was written with passion and obsession and the Flamenco jargon and details indicates that the author either herself studied seriously or had good advisors. Delightful!

loved the book...wanta dance!.......2007-01-26

The Flamenco Academy is compelling, romantic, delightful.

There is enough backstory, history and "meat" for a serious reader. But there is one of the most beautifully written romantic scenes...romance on the high swing...that I've ever read.

Her characters are human, flawed and talented and you'll be pulling for Rae to find herself, her courage, and her life.

Loved it.

If you like mindless pathetic characters this is for you.......2006-11-30

I would not give this book to my worst enemy. The lead character is a terrible excuse for a woman and the pathetic attempt to redeem the story at the end was sad.
I wanted to beat my head with this book at many points. Why would you write a book about a girl who is walked all over by her best friend and lover?
If you have any intellect this book will drive you crazy.

Flamenco Guitar Method - Volume 2 (Book + DVD)

Average customer rating:

Flamenco guitarist
Good, but not adequate on its own

Flamenco Guitar Method - Volume 2 (Book + DVD)
Gerhard Graf-Martinez
Manufacturer: Schott
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Flamenco Guitar Method Volume 1: Book/CD/DVD Pack
Mel Bay Play Solo Flamenco Guitar with Juan Martin Book, CD, and DVD: Vol. 1
Gipsy Guitar w/2 CD (Flamenco Guitar)
Mel Bay Play Solo Flamenco Guitar with Juan Martin, Vol. 2
DVD-Learn To Play Flamenco Guitar

ASIN: 379575769X

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

Flamenco guitarist.......2007-05-20

This is a wonderfull tool in learning flamenco. It is very easy to understand and Gerhard has a great sense to as of how to produce a learning enviroment. I looked through a lot of dvd`s and most dont pay attention to the sync. between audio and video. This master does and it helps greatly in the observation part of the technique. I began using his two books about 5 years ago and bought the dvd editions for my dvd libary.
I only play Flamenco and rumba flamenco.
Enjoy

Good, but not adequate on its own.......2007-04-28

Presentation
=========
The comments on presentation I made in my review of Volume 1 of this Method apply equally well to Volume 2, so I shall not repeat them.

Content
======
The preliminary explanation of signs is missing from Volume 2. I presume that anyone buying Volume 2 is expected to have obtained the other first -- which is borne out by the fact that the examples for both volumes are contained on the CD that comes with Volume 1.

Techniques addressed include arpeggios, tremolo, picado and alzapúa. As before, the coverage is detailed and thorough; in particular, Lucía's technique of playing picado from the middle joint of the finger (rather than the large joint) is described: "If it is played differently -- it's just not Flamenco". Ah, well.

The music is supplied throughout in both staff notation, and tablature with time values. I did find a few fairly self-evident misprints, e.g. the arrow directions in the Alzapúa III exercise (p.59) are wrong, although correct in the previous one. Triplet is once confused with triad (p.57).

The sole place I found the text confusing was in the description of bulerías rhythm (p.39). To quote:

"Many players count

1·2·3·4·5·6·7·8·9·10·11·12

[Accents on beats 3-6-8-10-12: no easy way to represent this in straight ASCII (PM)]

which you will also find in most guitar methods. Someone invented this way of counting a long time ago, and many others just copied it without questioning it. It is not really wrong, but it isn't the best way either, because on the one hand, most coplas and falsetas don't start on the 1 [...] It is much easier to start on the accented 12 and to notate the whole the whole thing with alternating time signatures."

This gives the impression that the stated way of counting was invented by some long-forgotten flamenco loony; but of course, it is, and as far as anyone knows has always been, the standard and logical way of counting soleares. The explanation given obscures the vital connection between the two rhythms.

In point of fact, it is bulerías that were invented by a loony -- specifically, by the 19th-century singer El Loco Mateo (according to legend), as a way of finishing his soleares.

It may indeed be "much easier to start on the accented 12". But the example in the book labels beat 12 as beat 1, which I have never heard a flamenco do. I've found it useful to tell people that they should regard the numbers as the names of the beats, so that beat 12 is still beat 12 even if it is first. (The author does indeed switch back to conventional numbering later).

It's true, too, that "most coplas and falsetas don't start on the 1", but some do: and some start on beat nine-and-a-half!

In short, while it may be best on balance to notate starting on beat 12, the rationale given is suspect, and it has disadvantages as well as advantages.

The book continues with full-fledged versions of soleá, alegrías, bulerías, tarantas and tangos. They have the advantage of being attractive and very flamenco-sounding, but still within reach of students with only moderate technique. Next there is a catalogue of styles, including some pretty obscure ones, with a few brief musical examples. Finally, there is a short history of Flamenco, from antiquity to the present day, and a bibliography. The history is well-written and not just a regurgitation of other accounts; although I was a trifle startled to learn (p.122) that:

"The Thirty Years' War, the Spanish wars of succession, the War of Independence started by Napoleon, the Civil war under FRANCO and the transition to democracy in 1976 were of no cultural importance, compared with the former history of the country."

Summary
======
As previously mentioned, the English throughout both books is generally very good, the use of German-style quotation marks being trivial. However, there may well be those interested in Flamenco -- especially classical guitarists -- who as yet speak no Spanish, and so I feel obliged to quibble over the use of Spanish terms where accepted English ones exist: in particular, the consistent use of Spanish note-names, and terms like modo dórico for Phrygian mode.

This said, the author's explanations, both visual and textual, are very clear. However, I have several reservations about what is not explained. What they boil down to is that this is, by itself, nowhere near an adequate flamenco guitar method. The omissions are understandable: the size and price would be quadrupled if all the relevant material were to be described in the same detail.

If the title were "Modern Flamenco Guitar Technique", then these two books and DVDs would fulfill their function very admirably, and on that basis I recommend them.

Average customer rating:

Flamenco Guitar Method 1

Manufacturer: Schott
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Flamenco Guitar Method Volume 1: Book/CD/DVD Pack
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ASIN: 3795755816

Book Description

Gerhard Graf-Martinez is a passionate flamenco guitarist and teacher. The wealth of his knowledge is captured in this two-volume work, which also reflects valuable experience gained from his activities as a tutor at national and international seminars and workshops. The CD included with volume 1 contains all the pieces and musical examples for volumes 1 and 2. Besides being a pure pleasure to listen to * "Flamenco puro" * it also conveys the authentic sound and the pulsating "compas" of this music. This is the only way to learn to play the music properly yourself. This is an excellent self-study course that includes many photographs, some to illustrate techniques, others of guitars, guitarists, etc. Self-contained chapters cover all basic techniques plus compas, palmas, nail care, and an overview of current guitarists, guitar makers, construction and sound of Flamenco guitars, etc. All musical examples are in standard notation and tablature (tabs), and performed on the accompanying CD. Volume 1: Lesson 1 * 5, Volume 2: Lesson 6 * 10 (English). Preface * The Author * Text Styles Used in This Book * About this CD * Posture * The Sound of the Flamenco Guitar * Gingerlabelling * Rasgueo * One-Finger-Rasgueo * 3-Finger-Rasgueo * 4-Finger-Rasgueo * Continuing Rasgueo * Pulgar * Pulgar and ima-Downstroke * Pulgar and Rasgueo * Remate * Pulgar-Downstroke * Ayudado * Golpe * Golpeador * i- and p-Downstroke with Golpe * m-Golpe with Downstroke * The Rumba-Stroke * Tresillos * a-m-i-p-Rasgueo * Guitarra Flamenca * Guitarreros * Guitarreros actual * La Cejilla * Guitarristas actual * Unas * Palmas * Compas * Modo Dorico * Glossary * Contents of Volume 2 * Adresses

Guitar Atlas: Flamenco (Book & CD) (Guitar Atals)

Average customer rating:

Fantastic Series-Guitar Atlas
Not Flamenco - Fraudulent
Great explanations from a true virtuoso

Guitar Atlas: Flamenco (Book & CD) (Guitar Atals)
Dennis Koster
Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Mel Bay Play Solo Flamenco Guitar with Juan Martin Book, CD, and DVD: Vol. 1

ASIN: 0739024787

Book Description

The Guitar Atlas series continues with a vivid exploration of Flamenco guitar. Dennis Koster, one of New York's most sought after teachers for over 25 years, guides you through distinctive rhythms such as soleares, alegrías and bulerías along with important techniques like rasgueado, tremolo and golpe. Features like standard notation and TAB as well as an accompanying CD demonstrating all examples and compositions in the book are sure to make learning this passionate style both easy and fun.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic Series-Guitar Atlas.......2007-09-16

I would recommend this book to anyone with a passion for classical guitar and for any world enthusiast. The whole Guitar Atlas series is so informative in terms of guitar techniques, rhythms, and melodies. I enjoy reading about the history of the regions such as Spain. Many of the famous flamenco artists are listed so you can look them up on the internet or buy a CD to learn more about them. Any guitarist with an interest in other cultural music or interest in finding new ways to play the guitar should buy at least one in this series. Overall, I would give high marks on these books and they are not too difficult for an intermediate guitar player.

Not Flamenco - Fraudulent.......2005-06-11

This is an attempt to teach flamenco the way it was before Camaron and Paco revololutionized it, but even then it's completely wrong. Flamenco was never played like this - ever.
This is a classical guitar player faking it.

For real Flamenco, only the didactic videos made by the Swiss company Encuentro exist. Some of these are good and others are mediocre, but at least they contain real flamenco played by real flamencos. No one in flamenco ever heard of any of these other people who have written flamenco guitar books.

The Paco Pena Toques Flamenco book is the only thing showing the old way that's even close. It's a source of trditional falsetas but the compas patterns are obsolete. PIP falsetas are also obsolete.

Don't take my word for anything, go to Spain and find out for yourself.

Great explanations from a true virtuoso.......2005-01-23

I was fortunate to have studied with Dennis in NYC in the early 80's. Back then he was an amazing guitarist. I recently visited him in NYC again and was amazed at how much his playing has
sweetened. Dennis is not only a great player but his explanations of the techniques are among the best out there. I recommend this book for any student who has played at least one year of classical guitar.

Average customer rating:

Good material, but many omissions

Traditional Flamenco Guitar, Vol. 2
Mariano Cordoba
Manufacturer: Mariano Cordoba
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

Traditional Flamenco Guitar, Vol. 3
Traditional Flamenco Guitar, Vol. 1
Mel Bay Play Solo Flamenco Guitar with Juan Martin, Vol. 2
Mel Bay Play Solo Flamenco Guitar with Juan Martin Book, CD, and DVD: Vol. 1

ASIN: 0966413415

Book Description

Traditional Flamenco Guitar, Vol. 1, Traditional Flamenco Guitar, Vol. 2, and Traditional Flamenco Guitar, Vol. 3 are unique and authentic methods for the Flamenco guitar written in conventional musical notation and in tablature. Each volume is available through Amazon.com. The books contain the principal techniques and selections of the most popular rhythms and compositions of the flamenco art to accompany the dance and guitar solos by the famous maestro, Mariano Cordoba. Each book contains a CD of all the musical arrangements.

Customer Reviews:

Good material, but many omissions.......2007-05-01

The author, although a longtime resident of California, was born in Spain in 1924, and (judging by a very interesting biographical handout that came with the tutor) certainly paid his dues in the grinding poverty of the flamenco world before, during and after the Civil war. His big break came in 1952, when Antonio chose him for the dance company with which he toured the world. He fell in love with Carmen Ruiz, who was dancing with the company, and in '56 they returned to her native San Francisco, where they opened a flamenco nightclub called El Patio Andaluz.

Sr. Córdoba's credentials are thus impeccable, and this tutor is obviously a labour of love. The three hefty volumes are 150-200 pages each, but as the text is presented in both Spanish and English, and the music in both staff notation and tablature (cifra), the content is only half what it might appear to be. Furthermore, 24 pages are repeated at the start of each volume. The author's remarks on the tape are likewise given in both languages.

There is a lot of good material in this tutor, much of it original, and I know people who are successfully teaching out of it; but there are many glaring omissions. There is nothing on holding the guitar, nails, hand position, tuning, golpeadores, or putting strings on properly.

But most alarming of all, *nowhere* is there any explanation of compás or its importance, the most fundamental concept in all of Flamenco. The Fandangos de Huelva commence, incomprehensibly, on beat 10. The Serranas, instead of being written in the usual 3/4 + 6/8, are written (admittedly accurately but still confusingly) in 2/4 + 3/8 + 3/8 + 1/4. The playing on the cassette is no better than adequate. The books are well produced, presented and printed, and spiral-bound to open flat. The English is good.

Because of the omissions cited above, this would not be my first choice for a tutor. It *does* contain a lot of accurate, useful and attractive material (and exercises), and in this sense it can be recommended.

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