Ponchielli, Amilcare (1834–1886)

Italian composer. His masterpiece, La Gioconda, based on Victor Hugo's play Angelo, was produced at La Scala, Milan, in 1876; its inspired melody and strong dramatic characterization established him as a worthy successor to Verdi.

Ponchielli was born near Cremona. He studied at the Milan Conservatory 1843–54 and produced his first opera, based on Manzoni's famous novel I promessi sposi, at Cremona in 1856. In 1881 he was appointed maestro di cappella at Bergamo Cathedral.

Works Opera I promessi sposi (1856); La Savoiarda (1861), Roderico (1863), Bertrand de Born, Il parlatore eterno (1873), I Lituani (Aldona), Gioconda (after Hugo's Angelo, 1876), Il figliuol prodigo (1880), Marion Delorme (on Hugo's play, 1885), I Mori di Valenza (unfinished; produced in 1914).

Ballet Le due gemelle and Clarina.

Cantatas cantatas for the reception of the remains of Donizetti and Mayr at Bergamo and in memory of Garibaldi.