La Gioconda

Amilcare Ponchielli (1834–1886)

DESCRIPTION

La Gioconda is rarely associated with restraint, its libretto by Arrigo Boito—credited here under the pseudonym Tobia Gorrio—leaning into melodrama rather than psychological nuance. Yet in the title role, Régine Crespin uncovers subtler layers of the character, shaping passages that often invite excess with unexpected poise. Her “Suicidio!” is notable for its clarity of line and a control that recalls Mozart more than verismo.

Carlo Cossutta brings a similarly measured approach to Enzo, favoring a warm, lyrical phrasing that resists the temptation toward sheer vocal force. Michèle Vilma makes a strong impression as Laura, her “Stella marinar!” delivered with such presence and tonal sheen that it nearly halts the performance in its tracks.

CAST

Gioconda – Régine Crespin
Enzo – Carlo Cossutta
Barnaba – Gian Piero Mastromei
Laura – Michèle Vilma
Alvise – Plinio Clabassi
La Cieca – Carole Schmidt

DETAILS

Location: Marseille
Date: 1967
Conductor: Nello Santi
Catalogue Number: OD 12259-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Mono

BONUS

Excerpts from Otello with Régine Crespin and Mario Del Monaco — Marseille, 1956

Act I

Act II

Act III

Act IV