La Gioconda

Amilcare Ponchielli (1834–1886)

DESCRIPTION

Ghena Dimitrova is a force of nature in the title role. Just when you think the voice can't getting any more dramatic, she somehow manages to take it to a level even beyond. What is equally striking about this performance is the level of nuance and Italianate delicacy she also brings to the role, a well-needed contrast for an evening that can turn into a scream-fest.

Franco Bordoni is similarly impressive as Barnaba. His dark baritone carries the character’s menace clearly, but he never lets the sound turn coarse, maintaining a sense of tonal beauty throughout.

CAST

La Gioconda – GHENA DIMITROVA
Enzo Grimaldo – OTTAVIO GARAVENTA
Laura Adorno – MICHELE VILMA
Barnaba – FRANCO BORDONI
Alvise Badoero – AGOSTINO FERRIN
La Cieca – D'ALBONI

DETAILS

Location: Nice
Date: November 11, 1977
Conductor: Antonio de Almeida
Catalogue Number: OD 12364-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Mono

NOTE

The final ten minutes of this performance were missing; for the sake of continuity, the closing section has been taken from another performance of La Gioconda, featuring Grace Bumbry, Flaviano Labò, and Anselmo Colzani.