La Gioconda by Amilcare Ponchielli at the Met, NYC, 15 jan 90 Written descriptions of La Gioconda make it sound like just the sort of opera I most enjoy -- big, loud, aggressive. For some reason, this performance didn't move me. It's the only time I have ever heard it, recorded or otherwise, and so that might have been partly unfamiliarity. We also had hassels with seats-couldn't see for the first act and had to ask to be moved-and that probably added to the frustration. There were moments in this production, however. Bruno Beccaria singing the "Cielo e mar" won a major ovation from the opening night crowd. I also thought Ghena Dimitrova sang the title role with ease, a big strong voice that handled all its requirements very smoothly. Alexandrina Milcheva as la Circa displayed solid depth. Stephania Toczyska was good in her duet with Dimitrova. This was conducted by Nello Santi ( a noisy claque cheered him rabidly throughout), production by Bruce Donnell. sets by Beni Montresor.