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La Gioconda

Ponchielli revised La Gioconda several times, and the version performed today is that of 1880. It is a remarkable example of Italian Grande opera, full of love, sacrifice and betrayal. The four-act opera is based on Victor Hugo's prose play, 'Angelo, Tyran de Padoue', with a libretto by Arrigo Boito, and includes many famous arias. The story begins in Venice in the 17th century. La Gioconda takes care of her blind mother, La Cieca, always under the watchful eye of the lustful spy, Barnaba. Rejected, he takes revenge by inciting the rage of the crowd against La Cieca for witchcraft, and she is only saved by the intervention of a young sea captain. Laura, wife of Alvise Badoero, personally ensures protection for La Cieca, who gives her a rosary in gratitude. Barnaba notices secretive behaviour between Laura and the sea captain, and realizes he is the banished Enzo in disguise, returned to claim Laura. But La Gioconda too is in love with Enzo. Barnaba sees an opportunity to get rid of his rival, and schemes for the secret couple's elopement and capture. Furious at Enzo's love for another woman, La Gioconda plans to kill Laura as she escapes with Enzo. But the sight of her mother's rosary around Laura's neck causes a change of heart. When Laura is captured and condemned to death, La Gioconda switches the poison by which she is to die for a sleeping draught, but when Enzo learns of Laura's 'death' he reveals himself and is captured. La Gioconda agrees to give herself to Barnaba in exchange for Enzo's release, and the lovers learn of her part in their reunion. But La Gioconda cannot bear to uphold her part of the bargain, and as Barnaba approaches, she stabs herself. Maddened with rage, Barnaba cries out to her corpse, 'Last night your mother offended me - I drowned her!'