Ponchielli: La Gioconda

Tebaldi, Cecchele, Colzani, Mattiucci, Washington; Gardelli

Napoli, 1968

$9.95

La Gioconda

Amilcare Ponchielli (1834–1886)

DESCRIPTION

La Gioconda is an opera that can only thrive when performers capable of igniting its drama take the stage. Sadly, a dearth of such singers has relegated it to the fringes of the repertoire today. This performance harkens back to a different time, when a cast could infuse Ponchielli’s imperfect masterpiece with intensity, musical style, and artistic honesty.

Renata Tebaldi, in the title role, pairs sumptuous vocalism with proto-verismo intensity. Gianfranco Cecchele is an ideal Enzo, singing with lyricism while matching Tebaldi in vocal stature. Anselmo Colzani’s suave Barnaba and Franca Mattiucci’s lush Laura round out this legendary cast.

CAST

La Gioconda – Renata Tebaldi
Enzo Grimaldo – Gianfranco Cecchele
Barnaba – Anselmo Colzani
Laura Adorno – Franca Mattiucci
Alvise Badoero – Paolo Washington
La Cieca – Delia Lago
Zuane – Arturo La Porta
Un Cantore – Gino Calò
Isepo – Luigi Paolillo

DETAILS

Location: Teatro di San Carlo, Napoli
Date: January 3, 1968
Conductor: Lamberto Gardelli
Catalogue Number: OD 12233-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Stereo