Amilcare Ponchielli is best known for his opera La Gioconda, from which the famous ballet La Danza delle Ore is taken. This orchestral scene depicts a choreographic episode symbolizing the passage of the hours of the day. Ponchielli's writing combines melodic elegance with a strong sense of theatrical expression. The piece is structured in several contrasting sections representing morning, day, evening, and night. Its light yet spectacular character has made it one of the most popular excerpts o...