Herrena

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Herrena (IPA: [e'rena]) is one of the parts performed by the traditional txalaparta players, the other one being the ttakuna; another lesser known traditional term for herrena is urguna. The herrena is opposed to the ttakuna in that it breaks the balance the latter intends to maintain (hence the name herrena, meaning lame). Their rhythmic choices consist of two beats (a regular ttakuna), a single beat (sometimes called herrena by extension) or a rest, as opposed to the ttakuna, who may always strike twice.

Yet the rigid boundaries between the herrena and the ttakuna have melted away in modern txalaparta, so much so that the ttakuna players may perform themselves combinations belonging to the herrena.

Three "rounds" of a simple score for the txalaparta
Three "rounds" of a simple score for the txalaparta


Explanation of the picture: binary beats are represented by sticks; a dotted stick means a rest (non-played beat).