from Act II of the Italian opera
La Gioconda by Amilcare Ponchielli
Libretto: Arrigo Boito
Role: Laura, wife of Duke Alvise and lover of Enzo
Voice Part: mezzo-soprano Fach: dramatic mezzo
Setting: The deck of Enzo's ship, the docks of Venice, 17th century
Synopsis: After Enzo and Laura plan their elopement, Enzo goes below-decks to ready himself. Laura prays for protection from the forces that wish to keep the two lovers apart : namely her husband Duke Alvise and Enzo's fiancee La Gioconda.