Basque country: return to basics for guitarist Arkaïtz Chambonnet who makes the “Basque Cords” resonate in his new album

A graduate of the Conservatoire national supérieur de musique de Paris in the class of Olivier Chassain, Arkaïtz Chambonnet is both a soloist and a chamber musician. A talented artist, he has won numerous prestigious awards and co-founded the internationally renowned guitar quartet, Quatuor Eclisses. This time he signed an album in his own name.

This ode to Basque music finds its origins in 2023, when the musician discovered by chance the piece “Portu errota” by Anton Larrauri. In this alloy of classical guitar pieces, little-known composers rub shoulders, including Anton Larrauri, and recognized ones like Albéniz or Torroba.

“Famous works such as ‘La Paloma’ by Sebastian Irradier allow a reassuring entry into an unusual repertoire”, enthuses Arkaïtz Chambonnet who has opted for discovery and emotion.

Through this album, it is the awakening to the musical palette of the Basque Country which shines through, through a subtle alloy of melancholy and joy. A whole repertoire of which the guitarist did not suspect the existence and for good reason: most of these pieces have been very rarely broadcast, or even never recorded.

Movement and breathing

Emotions conveyed by the heritage proximity, between the artist of Basque origin and the pieces performed, but also with his audience. “The very intrusive sound recording allows us to distinguish every movement and every breath,” confides Arkaïtz Chambonnet, a bold choice that brings this homage to life.