txalaparta

Txalaparta is a traditional Basque percussion instrument consisting of two long wooden boards positioned on supports facing each other. Two players sit or stand opposite the boards and strike them with wooden sticks or mallets. The instrument produces a bright, resonant tone, and its hallmark is the interlocking rhythms the players create, giving a polyphonic texture from a single instrument.

Origins and use develop from rural Basque communities, where txalaparta accompanied dances, celebrations, and work songs. It has been associated with social gatherings and harvest events, reflecting regional customs. In the 20th century, the instrument experienced a revival and gained attention beyond local tradition, influencing contemporary composers and performers.

Construction and playing technique involve hardwood boards set on a frame or supports that allow vibration. The boards are struck at different points and with varying force, producing a range of sounds. The two players coordinate to weave patterns, with one maintaining a steady groove while the other adds accents, ornaments, and rhythmic dialogue. The result is a dynamic, conversational percussive texture, often performed without additional instruments, though it can be combined with other voices in modern settings.

Contemporary use and influence: since the revival, txalaparta has entered Basque and world music contexts, appearing in contemporary ensembles and collaborations with other genres. The instrument gained international recognition through groups such as Oreka Tx and other artists who explore its traditional roots alongside experimental approaches, helping to preserve and reinterpret this distinctive Basque cultural practice.