La Gioconda (The Joyful Girl) - Amilcare Ponchielli
Information about the opera La Gioconda by Amilcare Ponchielli, and the best recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.
The only opera of Ponchinelli's that has remained popular.
Recommended recordings on CD
Votto/Callas/Cossotto (EMI Classics 7243 CDS5 56291-2)
A dynamic performance from Maria Callas, and the sound is reasonable for its age.
Milan La Scala Orchestra, Milan La Scala Chorus, conducted by Antonino Votto, 1959.
Cast: Maria Callas (La Gioconda), Fiorenza Cossotto (Laura Adorno), Pier Miranda Ferraro (Enzo Grimaldo), Piero Cappuccilli (Barnaba).
EMI Classics 7243 CDS5 56291-2 (mono)