[1] Twentieth century criticism is less kind, calling it "musty...too reminiscent of his earlier work"[2] or dismissing it as an exercise in spagnuolismo (Hispanicism).

[3] Scene: Moorish Spain shortly after the Moors defeated the Spanish forces under Ramiro II of León in the Battle of Zamora in 939 CE.

Since the Moors defeated the Spaniards at the Battle of Zamora they claim a tribute of one hundred virgins each year.

The king appears, and it is announced that Oviedo will contribute its share of the tribute; twenty virgins will be handed over to the Moors that day.

Manoël attempts to arouse the Spaniards to rebellion but the King implores them to accept the sacrifice to prevent further bloodshed.

A bazaar on the shore of the Guadalquivir near Córdoba The Moorish soldiers celebrate their victory over the Spanish in the battle of Zamora.

Hadjar quotes a verse from the Koran to prevent the Moors harming Hermosa – "Consider as saints the madmen, otherwise be cursed".

Hadjar recognises him as the man who once saved his life in battle and offers his help when he learns that Manoël is in love with Xaïma.

Hadjar enters with Manoël whom he presents to his brother as the man who saved his life and asks that he be given the freedom of the empire.

When Hermosa learns that Xaïma comes from Zamora, she slowly regains her wits and has a vision of how her husband was burnt alive during that battle.

[4][5][6] The opera was given a concert performance by the Münchner Rundfunkorchester and the Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks on 28 January 2018.