Podcast Summary: Nuestro Flamenco – Javier Barón y Rosario Toledo: "Caprichos"

Host: José María Velázquez-Gaztelu (Radio Clásica, RNE)
Air Date: December 3, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Nuestro Flamenco focuses on the flamenco dance show “Caprichos,” inspired by Goya's famous engravings. This innovative performance, starring master bailaor Javier Barón (celebrating 50 years on stage) and the renowned bailaora Rosario Toledo, blends tradition and modernity, with a creative team that includes musicians Antonio Campos (singing) and José Torres (guitar), among others. The program features insightful interviews, live performance excerpts, and a rich conversation about the creative process, artistic evolution, and the emotional world of flamenco.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Genesis and Concept of "Caprichos"

• Inspiration: The show draws upon Goya's series of engravings ("Caprichos") as a jumping-off point, transforming themes from visual art into dance.
  • “La verdad que no tenía mucha relación... él me lo explicó, me enseñó estas láminas... me quedé muy fascinado.”
    (Javier Barón, 10:41)
• Creative Collaboration: Conceived for the Bienal de Sevilla 2024 at the invitation of its director, Luis Ibarra, Javier assembled a team including dramaturg Alfonso Zurro and producer Pablo Leira.
  • Artistic Elenco: Includes musicians spanning multiple disciplines (clarinet, oboe, percussion).
  • “Con Alfonso Zurro ha sido una maravilla... quería divertirme, volver un poco atrás en el pasado.”
    (Javier Barón, 11:19)

2. The Performance: Structure and Style

• “Caprichos” as a "caja de bombones": Each dance number is distinct—short, whimsical "caprices," not long solo acts.
  • “Son caprichos, también lo llamo yo como bombones, una cajita de bombones, cositas pequeñas…”
    (Javier Barón, 13:40)
• Flexibility and Fun: Emphasizes enjoyment and freedom for the performers; literal representation of the engravings is less important than imaginative reinterpretation.
  • “Aquí es libertad total. Le miramos un poquito de reojo a los grabados...”
    (Javier Barón, 21:13)

3. The Partnership: Javier Barón & Rosario Toledo

• Artistic Dialogue: The chemistry between Barón and Toledo is a highlight—mutual respect and open creative process.
  • “Ha sido una experiencia… hemos compatibilizado los dos juntos de una manera estupenda... nos hemos divertido muchísimo.”
    (Javier Barón, 19:58)
• Fluid Roles & Contrast: Both follow their own creative paths within a shared space, blending classic and contemporary styles.
  • “Cada uno tiene su momento y después juntos... tiene un formato muy bonito.”
    (Javier Barón, 29:40)

4. Music and Poetics: Tradition and Innovation

• Repertoire: The show features diverse “palos” (styles)—bambera, garrotín, alboreá, alegrías, etc.—with new music by José Torres and lyrics both traditional and original.
  • Antonio Campos' vocals praised for expressiveness and versatility.
• Creative Adaptation: The choreography adapts to the music, and vice versa. Constant dialogue during creation.
  • “La composición ha sido mucho hacia nosotros y las letras te van contando cosas... he tenido que adaptarme yo un poquito en el baile.”
    (Javier Barón, 27:34)

5. Javier Barón's Current Artistic Moment

• Evolving Identity: Reflects on his evolution as a bailaor, mixing elements from his classical formation (Ballet Nacional de España) with flamenco roots and new experimentation.
  • “Estoy... un poquito moderno, un poquito clásico... utilizo muchas cosas del pasado y la verdad, con otra fusión de bailar, pero siempre con mi estilo clásico.”
    (Javier Barón, 28:48)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Creative Process:
  • “Tú sabes que he hecho tantas cosas ya que en esta altura pues quería yo una cosa de diversión.”
    (Javier Barón, 11:38)
• Describing the Show:
  • “La gente no se esperaba este espectáculo... son caprichos, cositas pequeñas... como bombones.”
    (Javier Barón, 13:40)
• Partnership with Rosario Toledo:
  • “Con ella ha sido magnífico... hay una parte ahí de mucho amor... nos hemos divertido muchísimo.”
    (Javier Barón, 19:58 / 20:56)
• Freedom in Creation:
  • “Aquí es libertad total... sólo miramos un poquito de reojo a los grabados.”
    (Javier Barón, 21:13)
• On his Dance Style Today:
  • “Un poquito moderno, un poquito clásico... pero siempre con mi estilo.”
    (Javier Barón, 28:48)
• Future Hopes:
  • “Me encantaría... poder estar en Madrid y que lo puedas ver... estamos tratando esto de poder estar un par de días en Madrid.”
    (Javier Barón, 30:49)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:56] Program intro and theme presentation ("Caprichos")
• [02:13 – 06:20] Excerpts: Voice (Antonio Campos), Guitar (José Torres), ensemble, dance
• [07:10 – 14:06] Interview begins: Javier Barón discusses origins and development of Caprichos
• [14:45 – 19:11] Performance excerpt ("Garrotín")
• [19:11 – 22:40] Barón on working with Rosario Toledo, the show’s structure and "dialogues"
• [22:40 – 26:56] Performance excerpt ("Alboreá")
• [27:12 – 29:40] Barón on adapting his style for Caprichos and his artistic identity today
• [30:20 – 33:41] Performance excerpt ("Alegrías"); closing remarks and upcoming shows
• [40:41 – 57:12] "Grabaciones históricas": Antonio Campos as soloist, including "La segrilla de Lebrija" and "La tierra no calla"
• (Advertisements, intros, and outros excluded)

Additional Highlights

• The musical ensemble for Caprichos is praised for creativity, bringing instruments like clarinet and oboe into a flamenco context.
• Antonio Campos is spotlighted not only for his work in Caprichos but as a solo artist (featured in the second part of the show).
• The episode mixes live performance extracts with interview, giving texture and emotional context to the discussion.

Tone and Language

The episode maintains a tone of admiration, camaraderie, and deep love for flamenco. Barón is generous in his reflections, and the host, Velázquez-Gaztelu, is warm and knowledgeable, facilitating a natural and respectful exchange.

Summary for New Listeners:
This episode is an illuminating exploration of the creative journey behind "Caprichos," a show that exemplifies the vitality and versatility of contemporary flamenco. Javier Barón's reflections reveal not only the technical and conceptual work that underpins such productions, but also the personal joy and renewal that comes from returning to the stage with curiosity and openness. The excerpts provide a visceral sense of the show's atmosphere, and the conversation opens a window into the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation in flamenco today.