Improvisation
Well before it was ever written, the Basque language was witness to an
intense form of oral expression, nourished in particular by sung, versified
and rhyming improvisation known in the Basque Country as
‘‘bertsularitza’’.

Andoni Egaña – Current improvisation champion of the Basque Country
Although it is not specific to the Basque Country, this tradition has
however developed remarkably here in inns, cider-houses and other meeting
places.
Today bertsularisme is taught in schools and through its championships it
has achieved an unprecedented artistic level.
Discover in sound and images this particular art in the company of five
improvisers or bertsularis who will be your guides.
They will tell you their anecdotes in the right hand menu as you visit
the site’s different sections.
By way of an introduction, you can watch a video which briefly explains
what bertsularisme is. Bertsolaritza Flash video (2007 - Author: Digitalak - Batekmila exhibition)
Other Video (general presentation)
Windows Media Player
Low-speed
(low quality) - 620 KB
High-speed
(ADSL 512 Kbps recommended – 3.8 MB)
Real Media Player
High-speed
(ADSL 512 Kbps recommended – 4.63 MB)
For further
details visit the site of our
partner, the "Xenpelar" improviser resource centre
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