Brief History

While synonymous with Spanish flamenco, castanets trace their lineage back to the Phoenicians, who spread "clappers" throughout the Mediterranean over 3,000 years ago. Their transition to the concert stage was driven by 19th-century opera and ballet composers seeking to evoke a Spanish atmosphere. To accommodate percussionists, traditional finger-held shells were eventually adapted into handle-mounted or machine versions, allowing for greater rhythmic speed and technical accuracy without the need for traditional dance training.

Anatomy

The Overture Castanet Machine takes the iconic "clap" of the castanet and presents the instrument in an accessible and approachable format.