Martinetes

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Martinetes (Spanish pronunciation:

. The percussion instruments chosen for this are frequently a hammer and anvil, to evocate the origins of this palo, attributed to Gypsy smiths. It is not probable, though, that they were real work songs: they demand too much effort and faculties to be sung while carrying out a heavy task like that of a smith. They were more probably sung in family gatherings.

Although martinetes are often classified under the

.

The stanza of the martinete is the cuarteta romanceada: four eight-syllable lines, rhyming in assonance abcb. The subject matters often contain allusions to persecution, prison, and the environment of the forges.

Carceleras are usually considered a subclassification of martinetes, with prison as the subject matter of their lyrics. The debla, a rather rare style, is considered by some flamenco fans as a type of martinete, while other consider it as a palo on its own.

Sources

• Álvarez Caballero, Ángel: La discoteca ideal del flamenco, Planeta, 1995
• Martin Salazar, Jorge: Los cantes flamencos, Diputación Provincial de Granada
• Rossy, Hipólito: Teoría del cante jondo, Credsa, second edition, 1998 (first edition 1966)