Reminiscences of the Opera

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1864 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XV. Season of 1847 (Continued)--Successful course of the Establishment, aided by the Popularity of the Swedish Nightingale--A new opera by Verdi--Not generally approved by the Public--Resumption of the old "Repertoire"--Unprecedented enthusiasm excited by Jenny Lind's performance--The Ballet--Well sustained by first-rate Artists--Departure of Jenny Lind--Regret of the Public--Trial of Bunn v. Lind adjourned--Doubtful success of Covent Garden Season--Cordial support afforded to the Manager--Valuable Testimonial presented to him--Fete at the Director's Residence--Quality of the Company Invited--Noble and Artistic Melange--Close of the Season--My Departure for the Continent--My first impression of the young Prima Donna, Sophie Cruvelli, at Rovigo--Opinion of her Talent held by Rubini. I May assert without hesitation, while on the subject of Mademoiselle Lind, that the career of this great singer and extraordinary woman, throughout the whole of her operatic season of 1847, was attended by one unbroken series of triumphs. The numbers that literally stormed the doors of the theatre on every night of her performances, were wonderfully great, especially when the extent of her engagement is recollected. This grand professional success was aided no doubt by the prestige thrown around the fair Swede by interesting details given to the public of her private life. The report of her unblemished character, of her unbounded charities, and of her modesty--a modesty that seemed to guard her against the indulgence of personal vanity--added greatly to the favour with which she was received by the English public, and gave increased lustre to her professional reputation. On all sides, and from all classes in the country, she was met by flattering...