La Gioconda facts for kids

La Gioconda is a famous Italian opera. It has four acts, which are like big parts of a play. The music was written by Amilcare Ponchielli. The story, called the libretto, was created by Arrigo Boito. It's based on a play by Victor Hugo. The opera was first shown in Milan, Italy, on April 8, 1876. It is Ponchielli's most popular work. It is also his only opera still performed often today.

Discovering La Gioconda Opera

La Gioconda means "The Joyful Woman" in Italian. This opera is known for its beautiful music. It includes a very famous ballet sequence called the "Dance of the Hours." This dance is often performed on its own. The opera tells a dramatic story of love, betrayal, and sacrifice. It is set in Venice, Italy, in the 17th century.

Meet the Main Characters

The opera features several important characters. Each character has a specific type of singing voice. These voices help tell their part of the story.

• Gioconda (soprano): She is the main character. Gioconda is a street singer. She is deeply in love with Enzo.
• La Cieca (contralto): This character is Gioconda's blind mother. She is very important to Gioconda.
• Enzo Grimaldo (tenor): He is a nobleman. Enzo is a former Venetian officer. He is in love with Laura.
• Barnaba (baritone): He is a spy for the Venetian Inquisition. Barnaba is a villain. He wants Gioconda for himself.
• Laura Adorno (mezzo-soprano): She is a noblewoman. Laura is married to Alvise. She is also in love with Enzo.
• Alvise Badoero (bass): He is a powerful leader. Alvise is Laura's husband. He is also a member of the Inquisition.

The Opera's Story

The story of La Gioconda is full of drama. It involves many different relationships. Gioconda loves Enzo, but Enzo loves Laura. Laura is married to Alvise. Barnaba, the spy, wants Gioconda. He tries to cause trouble for everyone.

Act One: The Lion's Mouth

The first act takes place in a public square. Barnaba sees Gioconda and wants her. He tells lies to make people think La Cieca is a witch. Enzo arrives and plans to run away with Laura.

Act Two: The Rosary

This act happens on Enzo's ship. Enzo and Laura try to escape together. Gioconda helps them, even though she loves Enzo. She saves Laura from Alvise.

Act Three: The Golden House

Alvise plans to poison Laura. Gioconda secretly gives Laura a sleeping potion instead. Everyone thinks Laura is dead. The famous "Dance of the Hours" happens in this act.

Act Four: Orfano Canal

Gioconda is alone and sad. She plans to sacrifice herself for Enzo and Laura. Barnaba comes to claim her. Gioconda tricks him and then takes her own life. Enzo and Laura escape safely.