La Gioconda September 27, 2008

Ponchielli's 'La Gioconda.' grandest of the grand operas! The ingredients: unrequited love, self-sacrifice, devotion, jealousy, murder, suicide, deception, benevolence, escape, and the chance to start a new life. Add some recognizable music you've heard in 'Walt Disney's Fantasia,' and 'Dance of the Hours.' A feast for the eyes and ears!