Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Felix. (1809–1847)
Collection of Original 1845 Broadsides from "Antigone."
An extraordinary collection of thirteen original broadsides from the original Covent Garden run of Mendelssohn's Antigone. The first, dated January 2nd 1845, advertises that "This evenening...will be performed (for the first time in England) the Lyrical Tragedy of Antigone, From the Greek of Sophocles, with the celebrated Music by Dr. Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy." 12 additional similar broadsides are included, each with different weekly attractions advertised, each with a different date, but each leading with the day's performances of Antigone. The latest broadside is dated February 13th, 1845. All of them advertise, among other attractions, the "Note-oriously [sic] Original Comic Pantomine, written by Mr. Nelson Lee, entitled Harlequin Crotchet and Quaver or, Music for the Million," which followed each night's performance of Antigone! An amusing caricature of three harlequins identified as "Sharp," "Flat," and "Natural" is printed below. Each broadside measures 24 X 52 cm, with a second panel of the same size opening from the vertical fold (so, when fully open, 44 X 52 cm). All in very fine condition, a few with minor chips or stains in margins. While original broadsides from significant performances of this period are indeed scarce, it is extremely uncommon to find a series of well-preserved broadsides from a single run such as this."Now essentially forgotten, Felix's Antigone enjoyed extraordinary popularity during his lifetime...by 1845 the English were mounting a production at Covent Garden, where forty-five consecutive performances occurred during that year alone. One distinctive feature of the English version - the addition of "ballet girls" during the Dionysos chorus - must have exasperated Felix, though he found amusing two Antigone caricatures in an issue of Punch for January 18, 1845, one of which presented the 'Chorusmaster, with his plaid trousers shewing underneath.'" (Larry Todd, "Mendelssohn," p. 419 - 20) (3160)
Program, unsigned Classical Music