Jesús Guridi is regarded not only as one of the twentieth century’s foremost exponents of Basque nationalism in music but as one of Spain’s greatest operatic and orchestral composers. His three-act zarzuela, El Caserío, his best-known stage work, is a love story set in an imaginary Basque village, Arrigorri. Drawing on Basque folk songs and dance rhythms, as well as original melodies, the work is composed in the classic zarzuela structure of distinct consecutive numbers, comprising tender romances, sophisticated ensembles, dramatic choruses and delectably orchestrated instrumental interludes.