OperaPremiered 1876
Synopsis
In 17th-century Venice, the street singer La Gioconda loves the nobleman Enzo, who loves the noblewoman Laura, who is married to the sinister spy chief Barnaba, who lusts after Gioconda herself. This web of passion, jealousy, and political intrigue plays out against canals and palaces, featuring a daring sea escape, a poisoning, and the celebrated 'Dance of the Hours.' Ponchielli's grand opera is a sprawling melodrama of sacrifice and obsession.