Malibran, Maria. (1808-1836) & Schröder-Devrient, Wilhelmine. (1804-1860) [Weber, Carl Maria Von. (1786-1826)] [Bellini, Vincenzo. (1801-1835)]
Theatre Royal, Covent Garden 1833 Broadside including "La Sonnambula" and "Der Freischutz”
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane [London]: S.G. Fairbrother. 1833. Original July 2, 1833 Theatre Royal, Covent Garden broadside advertising "for the 20th Time a New Grand Opera entitled La Sonnambula" and that "Madame Malibran, having recovered from the hoarseness under which she has been labouring, will have the honour of appearing this Evening, after her return from Cambridge, in her popular Character of La Sonnambula" adding very amusingly that "in consequence of which arrangement the heavy Scenery and Machinery [evidently the cause of her hoarseness!], connected with that Drama, has (by permission of Captain Polhill) been removed for the occasion." The Second part of the program consisted of Weber's "Der Freischutz" performed "for the Last Time" and featuring Schroeder-Devrient in "her highly popular Character.""All accounts agree on the dramatic powers of ‘The Queen of Tears’, as Schröder-Devrient was dubbed when observed actually to be weeping on stage. In an age when few singers matched their vocal prowess with equal dramatic skill, she impressed audiences especially with her interpretation of Leonore. In this role, Moscheles preferred her to Malibran, and many reports give details of the dramatic effect of her performance. Beethoven, who had rehearsed her, thanked her personally, and promised to write an opera for her." (John Warrack, Grove Online)
Contralto/soprano, Maria Malibran, was creator of Donizetti's Maria Stuarda and works by Bellini and Mendelssohn and was one of the most celebrated singers in history, whose early death at the age of 28 contributed to her status as a figure of legend. (21563)
Poster Opera Dance Program, unsigned