If there is one thing which sets Basque culture apart, then it has to be sung improvised verse in the Basque language. Improvisers, or bertsolaris, are experts in the Basque language. They have to be capable of spontaneously creating verse on a given subject, whilst paying attention to both rhythm and rhyme. They usually improvise in twosomes, answering each other back. This very ancient tradition has become so popular in the Basque Country that there are even competitions and championships organised. The younger generations, who studied at improvisation schools, have significantly raised the standard of the discipline and some now even combine it with other forms of art.
You can also at any time change guide by clicking on the photos
below.
Sustrai Colina
At the age of 19, Sustrai Colina, the youngest participant in the
final of the Basque Country improvisation championship, had already marked
the history of improvisation. That was back in 2001.
He gives his impressions on his début and his career as an improviser in
each of the site’s sections.
You can also at any time change guide by clicking on the photos
below.
Miren Artetxe
At the young age of 20 Miren Artetxe has managed to make
a name for herself in the male dominated world of improvisers. With Amets
Arzallus and Sustrai Colina she personifies the new generation of
improvisers in the Northern Basque Country.
She gives her impressions on her début and her career as an improviser in
each of the site’s sections.
Xalbador
Amets Arzallus
Sustrai Colina
Miren Artetxe
Patxi Iriart
