La Gioconda

Almicare Ponchielli (1834–1886)

DESCRIPTION

The considerable demands of La Gioconda mean that the opera only truly coalesces when the finest singers are engaged across its principal roles. This performance manages just that, with Grace Bumbry assuming the title part. Bumbry is fearless, embracing the role’s punishing extremes—from its blazing top to the astringent thrust of the chest register—without sacrificing the inherent beauty of her voice.

By contrast, Flaviano Labò offers a more restrained reading. While he responds to the dramatic demands with full commitment, his interpretation leans toward finesse, shaping his lines with a delicacy that offsets Bumbry’s more full-blooded approach. Anselmo Colzani lends the role of Barnaba a grim, almost regal savagery that proves compelling in its intensity. The one notable disappointment comes with Stella Silva’s Laura, whose voice sounds slightly shopworn.

CAST

La Gioconda – Grace Bumbry
Enzo Grimaldo – Flaviano Labò
Barnaba – Anselmo Colzani
Alvise Badoero – Carlo Cava
Laura Adorno – Stella Silva
La Cieca – Patricia Payne
Isèpo – Antonio Borres
Zuàne – Diego Monjo
Un Pilota – Juan Pons

DETAILS

Location: Barcelona
Date: November 21, 1974
Conductor: Ino Savini
Catalogue Number: OD 12300-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Mono

NOTE

The sound is generally good, though occasional distortion and clipping remain present and could not be eliminated.

Act I

Act II

Act III

Act IV