Sigma Alpha Iota

40 Fall 2024 • sai-national.org Reviews FLAMENCO MUSIC: HISTORY, FORMS, CULTURE By Peter Manuel University of Illinois Press, 2023 B efore reading Peter Manuel's Flamenco Music, I knew little about that genre other than the fact it originates in Spain and involves guitars. Now, having read the book, although I can't say I'm even close to being an expert, I have a more grounded and comprehensive understanding of the subject. I now know that there is more to flamenco than guitars, and that it is a complex art form with a long history! Flamenco Music is divided into three main sections: "History," "Structure and Forms in Flamenco," and "Flamenco Culture." Manuel's exploration of flamenco history in the first grouping of chapters starts with a look at pre-flamenco musical forms, beginning with the Moorish legacy in Spain from the eighth century onward. For the period from the 1850s–70s, when flamenco emerged as a discrete genre, to the 1920s, Manuel provides a look at its prominent practitioners as well as the evolution of different song types, or cantes. He then continues a discussion on the revitalization of flamenco during the remainder of the twentieth century to the present day. The middle section of the book, on flamenco's structure and forms, provides a deep discussion of topics such as tonality/modality, harmony, rhythm, and lyrics, as well as a comprehensive look at the music that makes up the flamenco repertoire. This particular section does go beyond what an average reader could absorb in a single reading, despite Manuel stating in his preface that he has "endeavored to present the material in a way that is broadly accessible." Even musically literate readers might have to stretch to understand if they are unfamiliar with guitar performance practices. That being said, those willing to commit to this section will find that the author has deftly synthesized and summarized previous research as well as his own studies to present a thorough treatment of the underlying foundations of flamenco music. The concluding section deals with the current flamenco scene, and addresses such issues as the tension between different philosophical approaches to flamenco. This finds those who think flamenco should be allowed to evolve and innovate struggling against those who believe that for flamenco music to remain authentic, it must be true to established practices. Although the first and third sections are the most accessible to the general reader, they, combined with the large middle section on structure, provide what seems to me to be a definitive treatment of flamenco music. Manuel's dedication to this art form is truly to be admired. Kathi Bower Peterson is a graduate of Indiana University, where she majored in music history and oboe, and was a member of the Iota Epsilon chapter. She also has an MM (in musicology) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MLIS from San Jose State University. She has been the librarian at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library in La Jolla, California since 1997 and currently serves as the treasurer of the San Diego Alumnae Chapter, as well as the Coordinator of Scholarships for SAI Philanthropies, Inc. STRINGS ATTACHED: A MEMOIR OF BETRAYAL, BIGAMY, AND SELF-DISCOVERY By Laurinel Owen Köehler Books, 2024 L aurinel lands in South Africa, on the other side of the world, to begin a new life as a concert cellist. What should've been a sweeping love affair with music turns dark when she meets Klaus, and her life starts to slowly unravel. Her life is turned upside down from the moment they meet. It's a whirlwind affair, lofty and romantic. Klaus is an older man; he's attractive and successful, always on the brink of a new scientific discovery. He shares her love for music, attending all her concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra. But what's seen as mysterious and exciting should've been red flags — there are obvious gaps in what he shares with Laurinel. He is late to their dates with no explanation. He often sleeps at the office. Strings Attached is compelling. It's a memoir at its finest: brutally honest, especially in Laurinel's life post- Klaus. As she purges him from her life, she discovers more and more secrets. There are documents she's never seen; a secret bank account; the book he was writing that he never shared with her. While his dark truths are being unveiled, she's undergoing her own healing process. She tries it all: therapy; exercise; Chinese medicine. One thing another another, trying to mend her broken soul. It's heartbreaking to read, but also a story that needs to be told. It's a tale for anyone with low self- esteem, or who finds their worth in other people, or who needs healing. It's the gritty truths of self-love and discovery. And, ultimately, it's a tale of finding the value in yourself. Some parts are difficult to read. They hit too close to home for all of us. But it can help others who find themselves in a similar situation — or anyone who needs to learn kindness for oneself. Laurinel Owen is an Honorary Member of SAI, and an initiate of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter.

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