The Creation of Basque Oral Poetry by Four American Bertsolaris

• Issue: Volume 24, Number 1
• Author(s): Asier Barandiaran
• Article: View PDF | Download PDF
• Citation: http://journal.oraltradition.org/issues/24i/barandiaran

Abstract

This study analyzes the improvisational styles of four Basque bertsolaris who live and perform in the United States, examining a broad range of elements, from the formal aspects of the stanzas to the rhetoric and speech employed by American bertsolaritza. Bearing in mind several rhetorical criteria, I evaluate the quality of this Basque oral genre as performed by these oral poets in a place and context so far removed from the place and context where this phenomenon was born.

eCompanion

Jesus “Jess” Goñi, Martin Goikoetxea, Jesus “Jess” Arriada, and Johnny Kurutxet.

Photo: Xenpelar Document Center, used by permission.

Martin Goikoetxea (on left) and Jesus Goñi performing in Boise, Idaho.

Photo: Xenpelar Document Center, used by permission.

Jesus Goñi (left), Johnny Kurutxet (middle), and Martin Goikoetxea (right).

Photo: Xenpelar Document Center, used by permission.

2003 National Heritage Fellowship Awards, Washington D.C.
Bertsolaris: Jesus Arriada, Martin Goikoetxea, Jesus Goñi, Johny Kurutxet
Translator: Joxe Mallea-Olaetxe

DVD: Mallea-Olaetxe © 2007, used by permission.

Performance - 2003 National Heritage Fellowship Awards, Washington D.C.
Bertsolaris: Jesus Arriada, Martin Goikoetxea, Jesus Goñi, Johny Kurutxet
Translator: Joxe Mallea-Olaetxe

DVD: Mallea-Olaetxe © 2007, used by permission.

Martin Goikoetxea sings about his impressions when he arrived in America

Recording: Asier Barandiaran.

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