from Act I of the Italian opera
La Gioconda by Amilcare Ponchielli
Libretto: Arrigo Boito
Role: La Cieca, mother of La Gioconda
Voice Part: contralto Fach: contralto
Setting: Courtyard of the Duke's Palace, Venice, 17th century
Synopsis: After La Cieca is accused of witchcraft by Barnaba, the crowd begins to threaten the old woman's life. She is saved in the nick of time by Laura and her husband Duke Alvise. Grateful, La Cieca gives Laura a rosary along with her blessing.