In the vibrant world of flamenco, guitars speak a unique language that transcends time and space. In a recent talk held at Flamenco Chipén, we had the privilege of immersing ourselves in the exciting universe of flamenco with one of its most outstanding masters: Víctor Monge Serranito, together with Alejandro Hurtado.
Discovering the History of the Flamenco Guitar
In this fascinating conversation, Víctor Monge Serranito, recognised as the first link in the legendary guitar trio alongside Manolo Sanlúcar and Paco de Lucía, took us on a journey through the historical evolution of the flamenco guitar. It was mentioned how this instrument, once associated exclusively with flamenco tablaos, has come to occupy a place of honour in large auditoriums as a solo instrument, thanks to the mastery of performers like him.
The Masters and Tradition
During the talk, the influence of great masters such as Ramón Montoya, considered the father of flamenco guitar, and Manolo de Huelva, whose technique and style have left an indelible mark on the art of flamenco, was highlighted. Victor shared with us anecdotes and teachings from his own teachers, revealing the deep connection that unites flamenco musicians across the generations.
The Alumni Legacy
In addition to his brilliant career as a performer, Víctor Monge Serranito has been a mentor for numerous young guitarists who have followed in his footsteps. One of his outstanding students is José Antonio Rodríguez, whose virtuosity and creativity have enriched the contemporary flamenco scene. In the talk, Víctor proudly shared how he has seen his disciples grow and develop, passing on the legacy of flamenco guitar to new generations.
The Great Guitar Players of Madrid
In addition to exploring the history of flamenco, the conversation also led us to discover the rich tradition of the great guitar makers of Madrid. Mention was made of the legacy of Francisco González, one of the important guitar maker of the Escuela de Guitarreros de Madrid. His influence extends to the Ramírez family, with José Ramírez I, who learned from him and later founded his own workshop, passing on his knowledge to his brother Manuel Ramírez. These details allow us to better understand the history and evolution of the Escuela de Guitarreros de Madrid.
In short, the Flamenco Chipén Musical Dialogues with Víctor Monge Serranito offered us a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of flamenco and the Spanish guitar. Through his stories, anecdotes and teachings, we were able to appreciate the richness of the musical tradition and the deep connection that unites musicians throughout time and the importance of knowing the past in order to innovate and contribute to the present.
Guitarras Ramírez is proud to be part of this tradition, offering instruments of exceptional quality that continue to inspire musicians all over the world.
We leave you with the video from which we were able to take part in this great talk, which we have summarised for you to learn more about it.
