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Length: 88 minutes.
Multi-zone DVD compatible with all countries (NTSC and PAL)
The first programme (El fuego originario, 1980) tackles the cantes de fragua (forge styles) and others that surfaced in the late 18th century, and which are believed to form part of the origins of flamenco. We see three exceptional artists of whom only one, 'Chocolate', is still alive and active. The other two are the now deceased Rafael Romero 'El Gallina', and Fernanda de Utera, who has retired from the stage. 'El Gallina' and 'Chocolate' sing tonás. Subsequently, 'El Gallina' sings siguiriyas and has a conversation with Quiñones. He says that reason for which he and the other cantaores from his period did not invent their own particular forms was because they hadn't suffered like the early cantaores. He turns tradition into a faith. Fernanda sings a soleá with great passion, and Chocolate sings siguiriyas, both of them with Juan Habichuela's accompaniment on the guitar.
The second programme is part of Quiñones' first series (1974-78) and is a monographic issue dedicated to 'El Gallina'. Accompanied on guitar by Perico el del Lunar the younger, he sings siguiriya, cabal and caña. He then recounts some anecdotes about his trip to Japan and says that his art is about feeling. He subsequently sings tientos, petenera and mirabrás.
The third programme (El Baile, 1964) takes a strict journey through the history of flamenco dancing, from its folk origins until its formal constitution in the 19th century cafés cantantes. A long list of artists are featured, including Cristóbal de los Reyes, the uncle of Joaquín Cortés, who is so popular at present. There are two moments in this programme that stand out: the dancing of Pastora Imperio who, in spite of her age and old mannerisms, displays much of her genius, and the minutes that are devoted to Vicente Escudero, with his dancing that is sometimes expressionist, and occasionally almost 'intellectual'. It is a unique DVD for the lovers of flamenco dancing.
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