The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1849-08-11

RE-APPEAKANoE OF SoNTAe.-The return TO
the stage of the Countess Rossi, better knownas
the M'dEe Sontag Of former years, is thus noticed
by the London Morning Chronicle:
Rarely, indeed, is such an enjoyment attaina-
able as that which was afforded TO the audience at
Her Majesty's Theatre on Saturday evening. A
great vocalist whose fame had become enshrined
in the memory and the Imagination of her admirers
whom TO have seen and heard was pride as great
as the regret was keen for pleasure past hope of
fruinon-has stepped from her pedestal to enter
once more the arena OF her brief but glorious tri-
umphs Soniag comes back to the lyric stage after
a lapse Of years sufficient to have effaeed less
secured and brilliant reputaton-not as some great
artists from time to time have returned, appealing
with impaired powers TO the indulgent memory of
the public, but with force as fresh, pure and brill
liant as ever, and with artistic skill mafilred and
perfected by the study which since her retirement
has been 70 her a labor of love. Madame Sontag
Fe-appears emphatcally as an artist, and is able
10 challenge competition in that capacity alone.
Those to whom her style was familiar, from the
recollection of former years, at once pronounced
her to be The Sontag of their earlier enthusiasm.
With all the reflected glory, therefore, of a reputa-
ton which belonged 10 the history of lyric art, she
still stands on her own merits, and thus a younger
generation Of musical amateurs are enabled to in
stltute comparisons between the most iiustriOus
and distinguished Of contemporary artists and this
long-iosl idol Of a world of worshippers.
The entrance Of Madame Sontag was the signal
for the most enthusiastic and affeclonate of reeep-
tons. The fair vOcalst-and this is no stereofvped
term Of compliment, for she still retains her per-
sonal charms, aud her smile is sweet and as win
ming as ever-seemed deeply affected at her recep-
ton. Much meaning was in the look Of dignifed
gratitude with which she acknowledged the heaped-
up kindness of the audience nor was it surprising
that, in the presence Of heartfelt, generous and
spontaneous greeting, she was unable to retain
her tears.
Il may be necessary TO remind the reader that al
though not few years have elapsed since Madame
SOnlag last appeared on the stage in London she
commenced her career at fifteen, and retired at an
age when many artists are only commencing Thus
it Is not remarkable that she should be fresh in
voice, and in personal appearance attractive.
Slightly above the middle height of woman she IL
extremely we-formed and hercarriage is perfectly
dignIiied and graceful Her face is rendered hand
some BY the charm of expression. and her eve has
much power Her voice is high soprano Of full
register and even and excellent quality with power
amply sufficient for the requirements Of her chosen
style Of singing. 1t has delightful freshness that
had hardly been expected, and the tone is sweet
clear, pure, and not all metallic. Il is capable Of
being tine-drawn into the most exquisite gossamar-
like notes. Above all, there is that unerring GER
tanty of intonaton without which executive skill
Is a dangerous requirement"
Madame Soniag was advised to make her first
appearance in some opera, in which she had pre-
viously established reputation. But she boldly
chose new piece and came out as Linda Her
success in the part was complete, and the Times
gives her equal credit for performance of Rosina,
in which she sang as of old, Rode's variations to
the Singing Lesson" The Countess Rossi re-
turns to the stage account of the straitened cir
cumstanees of her husband, formerly Sandman
Minister at the Court of Prussia. Mr.. LumIey
the manager Of the Queens Theatre, gives her
tSO0O for an engagement of year.
The story of Sonag's marriage, as given nv a
Paris correspondent of the Courier des Etats- Uis
is rather curious. Count Rossi fell on love with
her at Berlin, and offered his hand in marriage
His offer was accepted; but the Sandman Minis
ter thought proper to consult the Prussian King be-
fore celebrating the marriage. The King advised
that M'dlle Sontag should go to Paris and perform
an engagement there, in order that her virtue might
be tried by the arts Of Partisan admirers The ex-
pertinent was made; Sontag was proof to all the
persuasions of enamered Parisians returned to
Berlin and became the Countess Rossi