Spanish (Basque) composer Pablo Sorozábal (1897-1988) was something of a child prodigy on piano and violin, earning his living in cinemas, cafés and fairgrounds. Leading librettists Romero and Shaw, working with Sorozábal for the first time in a full length zarzuela, provided a well-constructed 'nautical romance' in three acts, set in his beloved Basque country and rich in seedy characters, strong situations and spectacular stage effects. 'La tabernera del puerto' is the most operatic in scope of Sorozábal's zarzuelas, and remains the most popular. The romanza 'No puede ser' is sung by Leandro in the second act.