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The dynamics of ensemble: the case for flamenco

UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM, UK, m.maduell{at}bham.ac.uk, maduell{at}hawaii.edu, dr_m_maduell{at}hotmail.com

Alan M. Wing

UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM, UK, a.m.wing{at}bham.ac.uk

We provide behavioural and quantitative analyses of coordination and synchronization in ensemble performance, using flamenco as a case study. The concept of ensemble is introduced and developed with the aid of connected network models, then applied to the flamenco ensemble. Flamenco performance is described in terms of ensemble interaction, including both the types of rhythmical accompaniment used by the individual classes of performer participating in the ensemble and the main sociocultural factors governing control of rhythm and cuing changes. These factors involve hierarchies relating to the degree to which each performer commands audience attention (focus) and the status of ensemble members within the company. We describe an observational approach to ensemble coordination with an event-based video analysis of a four-member ensemble performing a flamenco piece and a correlation-based motion analysis of two-person performance of simple rhythm.

Key Words: coordination • rhythm • synchronization • timing

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