Synopsis
"Improvisational Poetry From The Basque Country" introduces the Basque "bertsolari" to the English-speaking world and provides an understanding of an interesting cultural phenomenon - the artist in Basque society who is capable of improvising verse on any subject and spontaneously setting it to music. The phenomenon is at least several centuries old and runs the gamut from amateurish efforts to periodic national championship competitions. These competitions draw thousands of listeners and pack theatres while many thousands tune their radios to the broadcasts of the performances. A performance consists of a "bertsolari", a live audience, and a challenge to put a specific theme into song. Within seconds the "bertsolari" is expected to create beautiful verse, set to music. The "bertsolari's" impromptu verses demonstrate his knowledge of the Basque language and history, as well as his ability to captivate an audience with fresh verse. The subjects sung about vary, from religious themes to sports and culture. Politics is a popular topic for the modern "bertsolari", especially with the constantly changing government policies.
Every song is an original debut, for no perspective on life is ever the same, yet the songs tell of things that are cherished and timeless. Gorka Aulestia takes a scholarly and in-depth look at the art of the "bertsolari". In this text, Aulestia examines the history of a tradition that is truly unique and completely Basque. He introduces and analyzes the performing styles of "bertsolari" greats including Xabier Amuriza and Jon Azpillaga. From the "bertsolari's" roots in the old Basque country, to the social phenomenon it is today, Aulestia's look at the improvisational oral literature of the Basques is an essential addition to their written history. Gorka Aulestia was born in Ondarroa (Bizkaia). He is a graduate of the Seminary of Vitoria, the University of Deusto, and the University of Nevada, Reno, where he received a doctorate in Basque Literature. He is the author of the University of Nevada Press's "Basque-English Dictionary", and the co-author of the "English-Basque Dictionary" and "Basque-English, English-Basque Pocket Dictionary".
