In Basque literature
The versification of poems by Bernard Detchepare, author of the first book printed in Basque "Linguae Vasconum Primitae" (1545), bears witness to the techniques of improvisation.
When Allande Oihenart wrote: "How the Basques have an inclination for poetry", he was obviously talking about improvisation. Joanes Etxeberri de Ciboure even began his "Manual Devotionezkoa" (1627) with a verse.
In the 18th century, and although we cannot be sure whether they were themselves improvisers, the influence of improvisation is significant on authors like Baxterretxea (1700-1761), Meagher (1703-1772), Robin (1738-1821), Salvat Monho (1751-1821), and in his play, Pedro Ignacio de Barrutia (1682-1759) also refers to an improviser.
What is bertsolaritza? has been carried out with the aim of answering that question and showing people abroad what bertsolaritza is. The film enables people to discover bertsolaritza from its roots and to pay attention to the context, creative process and current situation of the discipline.
Bertsolaritza can designate both the art of improvising verses (bertsogintza) and the social movement created around it (bertsolaritza). The principal goal of this book is to present the necessary means for fully understanding bertsolaritza. A publication of the Etxepare Basque Institute, free to download.
