GERHARD GRAF-MARTINEZ
Flamencolitos
(Book + Audio-Streaming, 96 S., Schell Music, ISBN 978-3-864-111945)
Gerhard Graf-Martinez is an author who has devoted himself entirely to flamenco and publishes not only instructional and repertoire books, but also corresponding software and iOS apps. His book 'Flamencolitos' offers six easy flamenco pieces for guitar, including two duos with additional rhythm accompaniment. The volume is divided into two parts, so to speak: In the first half is the standard notation, then all the pieces come again in tablature notation. The short introductory texts to each piece are printed in three languages: German, English and Spanish. The sheet music contains a sufficient number of fingering indications and playing hints, especially with regard to rhythm. In addition, chord symbols are included, which both provide a harmonic overview and make many parts easier to play from the known fingerings. For flamenco connoisseurs or at least players with some experience in this style, these may be "easy" pieces. In general, one should have some playing experience, because the material is quite demanding, even if - pedagogically motivated - the last percentages of playing speed and virtuosity were rightly omitted. Helpful are the audio examples available online, which can be streamed via the Vimeo platform and accessed via QR code or direct link. Good tape for flamenco aficionados.
