La gioconda

opera by Ponchielli

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June 29, 2026

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La Gioconda is an opera by Italian composer Amilcare Ponchielli, with a libretto by Arrigo Boito. It premiered in Milan in 1876 and is based on Victor Hugo's play Angelo, Tyrant of Padua. While the opera itself achieved success, it is now primarily remembered for its balletic interlude, the Dance of the Hours. This popular dance scene has been featured in various media, including Disney's film Fantasia. Ponchielli was a respected composer of his time, considered a significant figure between Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini, though his operas are seldom performed today due to their librettos.12

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Dance of the Hours
>La gioconda that is often performed as a stand-alone orchestral work. In its original context—as a balletic interlude to entertain a party—it (and the entire opera) premiered in Milan on April 8, 1876. The popularity of the dance scene greatly exceeded that of the entire…
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>La gioconda that is often performed as a stand-alone orchestral work. In its original context—as a balletic interlude to entertain a party—it (and the entire opera) premiered in Milan on April 8, 1876. The popularity of the dance scene greatly exceeded that of the entire…
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Amilcare Ponchielli
…best known for his opera La gioconda (“The Joyful Girl”).
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…best known for his opera La gioconda (“The Joyful Girl”).
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