Alegrías Unveiled, 2024 National Conference of Musicology (MSA)

Paper Title:

Alegrías Unveiled: Navigating the Microstructures of Flamenco Guitar and its Creative Legacy.

Alegrías, a vibrant flamenco form, anchors this exploration of solo guitar practice. My study investigates its complex microstructures melodic phrasing, harmonic modulation, and rhythm that define Alegrías as a creative and pedagogical form. Case studies of revered guitarists, combined with insights from dance and song, illuminate its evolving language. This research contributes to the wider dissemination of flamenco as UNESCO heritage, offering a structured analysis that informs both academic and practical engagement. Through this lens, I seek to deepen our collective understanding of flamenco’s enduring traditions and innovative potentials.

Dr Gerard Mapstone

University of Melbourne

Gerard Mapstone is a guitar teacher at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, specialising in flamenco guitar. His doctoral research focused on the creative practices used in contemporary flamenco music. Working primarily in music performance Mapstone has composed works for the Queensland Chamber Orchestra, Opera Australia, and supported luminaries such as the Buena Vista Social Club, Tomatito, and Estrella Morente. Notable accolades include the QCGU Guitar Prize and a Best Jazz Album nod at the Queensland Music Awards.

Key words:

Alegrías, Contemporary, Flamenco, Guitar, Performance.

47th National Conference of the Musicological Society of Australia (MSA)