Rue Étienne Marcel - Farruca (Live at El Flamenco, Shinjuku, 2007)

Live recording of the Japanese Flamenco Guitarist "Katsuhiko Katagiri", at Shinjuku El Flamenco. September 12, 2007.

This song expresses the scene of Rue Etienne Marcel (named after Etienne Marcel, a 14th century Parisian civic leader) that runs through Paris from east to west, using the flamenco song Farruca.
Composed by Katsuhiko Katagiri.

Farruca is said to have its origins in folk songs from the Galicia and Asturias regions of northwestern Spain. Featuring a melancholy minor key tonality and a two-beat rhythm with clear accents, the faruca is often danced like a bullfighter by male dancers. In contrast to the powerful and sharp dance, the musical elements of this Farruca, composed by Katsuhiko Katagiri, are extremely sweet and sophisticated, creating a sentimental piece full of originality.

Étienne Marcel (1310 - 1358) was provost of the merchants of Paris under King John II of France, called John the Good (Jean le Bon). He distinguished himself in the defence of the small craftsmen and guildsmen who made up most of the city population.

As a delegate of the Third Estate, he played an important role in the general assemblies held during the Hundred Years' War. In 1357, he found himself at the head of a reform movement that tried to institute a controlled French monarchy, confronting the royal power of the Dauphin or heir to the throne.

Étienne Marcel was born into the wealthy Parisian bourgeoisie, the son of the clothier Simon Marcel and Isabelle Barbou. Like Jacob van Artevelde in Flanders, his upbringing in the urban upper class brought him close to the powerful; he grew up at a time when towns were becoming a political force, especially Paris, which was the largest city in western Europe (its population in about 1328 is estimated at 200,000 people).