Gernika was first presented in concert version in the Arriaga Theatre in Bilbao on the 25th of April, 1987, with several other works as part of a commemoration on the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Guernica.
After the tragedy of 1937, the name Guernica had become associated with the horror of the war and fascism; the opera may not have been staged at this time because of its political sensitivity.
The lovers, Gernika and Gogor, see armed people in the forest and decide to warn Aitona as soon as possible.
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.
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)