This week The Metropolitan Opera celebrates the 150th anniversary of the premiere (April 8, 1876 in Milan) of Amilcare Ponchielli's popular opera "La Gioconda." Saturday's broadcast was originally heard March 2, 1968. Fausto Cleva is on the podium with Renata Tebaldi in the title role. The performance also features Carlo Bergonzi (Enzo), Fiorenza Cossotto (Laura), Cornell MacNeil (Barnaba), Bonaldo Giaiotti (Alvise), and Mignon Dunn (La Cieca).
The story comes from an 1835 play by Victor Hugo adapted by the librettist Arrigo Boito set in 17th Century Venice in the times of the Inquisition. The villain, Barnaba tries several schemes to win La Gioconda, including threatening her blind mother (La Cieca). Gioconda, however, is in competition for the heart of Enzo with Laura. When Laura saves Cieca's life, Gioconda must set her feelings aside. In the end, Gioconda chooses death rather than giving in to Barnaba.
Tune in for this classic performance of "La Gioconda" Saturday at 1:00 here on Blue Lake Public Radio.
