refuses him, causing him to become furious and threaten to destroy her and her Basque country. Scene 2: Podio, in the name of the King, announces to the Basque country that they must help the monarch with men and money. The Basques respond that they are a free country and the petition goes against the pact they've signed with the King. Despite this, disagreements arise among the Basques, for and against the suggestions of Podio. Aitona cries for the country while the women proclaim liberty and union among the Basques. ACT III: Scene 1: The evil and ambitious Podio tries unsuccessfully to kill the King of the North. Scene 2: Gernika again predicts the devastation of her country. Scene 3: The historical bombarding of the town of Gernika (1937) is represented. ACT IV: Scene 1: Under cover of night's darkness, Podio attacks, kills and burns Gernika. On seeing such an atrocity Gogor tries to get revenge for the death of his loved one, but Aitona stops him: it's not worth it to stain your sword with venomous blood. The King will take charge of Podio's punishment. The opera ends with a meeting in which Gernika remains in the memory of the Basque Country, "Gernika has fallen but is not lost!" See also Zigor Discography Information extracted from the libretto that accompanies the recording of Gernika (including an article by basque musicologist Itziar Larrinaga), realised in November and December 2007. Title of the CD: GERNIKA (Francisco Escudero) Symphonic Orchestra of Euskadi, Choir Society of Bilbao, Jose Ramon Encinar (musical director) DECCA, 2CD (0028947667957) References Operas 1987 operas Basque-language operas Operas by Francisco Escudero