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Available
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Publication
New Directions (2010), Edition: Second, 128 pages
Description
The notion of "duende"--a demonic earth spirit embodying irrationality, earthiness, and a heightened awareness of death--became a cornerstone of Lorca's poetics.In Search of Duende gathers Lorca's writings about the duende and three art forms susceptible to it: dance, music, and the bullfight. A bilingual sampling of Lorca's poetry is also included, making this an excellent introduction to Lorca's poetry and prose for American readers.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Crowyhead
"Mother, the moon is dancing
in the Courtyard of the Dead."
in the Courtyard of the Dead."
LibraryThing member P_S_Patrick
This volume contains 6 essays of varying length and a number of poems by Garcia-Lorca. The two longer and most important essays are on the “Deep Song”, and the “Play and Theory of the Duende”.The first of these is on a type of traditional gypsy ballad, where it comes from, why it is
His discussion here of the concept of duende and its significance helped me to understand the particular atmosphere that many of his poems have. As all the poems here are in their original Spanish with the English translations on facing pages, this is also great for those attempting to improve their understanding of Lorca’s work. Probably an essential volume for anyone interested in Spanish poetry or culture, and definitely one for anyone interested in Lorca.
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artistically and historically important, and what makes it unique – including its expression of the Duende. The second goes into what Lorca believes Duende to be. This is a Spanish, or perhaps more typically an Andalucian concept that can be applied in various areas of culture. It is difficult to state precisely what Duende is and what it isn’t, though this is what Lorca works toward here. However, roughly speaking, it is a state of mastery achieved by talented practitioners of an art, an expression of a certain genius of creation that bares the longing and or suffering of the soul. Lorca makes the point that technical ability and mastery alone are insufficient for Duende, and not even always necessary. It is more a aesthetically compelling display of emotion or energy that takes the audience with it, tied together with a sense of fatefulness, of being in touch with both life and death at the same time. It is found in traditional gypsy song, of the Deep Song, which he has studied and based some of his better known poetry on. There are some relevant examples included in this volume including particularly talented bull-fighters, artists such as Goya, Spanish guitar music, and even a few examples from outside of Spain including Bach. His discussion here of the concept of duende and its significance helped me to understand the particular atmosphere that many of his poems have. As all the poems here are in their original Spanish with the English translations on facing pages, this is also great for those attempting to improve their understanding of Lorca’s work. Probably an essential volume for anyone interested in Spanish poetry or culture, and definitely one for anyone interested in Lorca.
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Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
128 p.; 7.1 inches
ISBN
0811218554 / 9780811218559