txistus

The txistu is a traditional Basque musical instrument. It is a side-blown fipple flute, typically made of wood, and is played with the left hand while the right hand strikes a small drum called a tamboril. This combination of flute and drum played by a single musician is distinctive to Basque culture. The txistu usually has three holes on the front and one on the back, allowing for a range of notes to be produced.

Its origins are ancient and its exact history is difficult to trace, but it has been a central instrument in Basque folk music for centuries. It is commonly heard at festivals, processions, and other cultural events throughout the Basque Country. The sound of the txistu is often described as bright and piercing, capable of both lively and melancholic melodies. Its repertoire includes traditional dances, popular songs, and more complex compositions. There are different sizes of txistu, with the largest being the "txistu handia" and the smallest the "silbote". The instrument has experienced periods of decline and revival, but remains an important symbol of Basque identity and musical heritage.