The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-08-17
Tho Great German Trascd,> '""o ""'''
Seebach. ~

Tho Great German Tragedy ""'
| Seebacs. ~
This eminent trdgedienne who Ia to Co.
many what Rachel was to France and Ristor ia
to Italy, will appear In the French theatre,
under the management Of Mr.. Grau, before
nounced to leave Europe on the 18th inst, to
submit her splendid Continental reputation as
the finest living representative Of tragedy in
Germany to the judgment of transatlantic
| audience. She will find here a considerate,
although critical people, not easily pleased,
yet not ungenerous In the disposal Of their IA
vors and certainly she will meet In this coun-
try people liberal almost without limit In
support Of real merit come from what quart er
1t may. We treated Rachel not alone with
kindness but with veneration We received
Ristori, though she addressed us In language
less familiar than that Of Rachel, with cor
diality that, almost upon her first performance,
these twin sisters Of tragedy and music-Marie
Seebach and Christine Nilsson-arrive here
they will be received with the same kindly
welcome as their predecessors, Rachel and
Ristorl, and they will arrive about the same
time-the queen Of tragedy and the flower Of
song.
Marie Seebach is the recognized interpreter
Of tragedy on the German stage. For some
years she has held that position. Though still
quite young, and, it is said, very beautiful in
face and form, she began her dramatic
career at so early period of life that she has
crowded record Of great successes into few
years. Her stage history runs through many
countries since she made her debut In Vienna
in 1854 She played subsequently in Hanover,
Leipsic, Prague, Pesth, and, at later date,
played upon almost every stage in the leading
| cities Of Germany. Perhaps there was never
an actress possessed of 80 varied and 80 strong
| a repertoire as Seebach, If we can judge from
| the performances at the different German
theatres in which she played. From Shak-
speare, and Goethes grandest conceptions to
'Jane Eyre" and 'The Intrigues Of Love, I"
she seems at home in all, The German critics,
at least, are equally loud in praise of her great
gift in both tragedy and comedy. We judge,
from this source, that her greatest tragic
parts are Juliet, Marguerite, Ophelia, and
Marie Stuart. In lighter parts, Hermione, in
"a Winters Tale" and Katherine in the
flaming of the Shrew," will probably attract
most attention, and invite the closest criticism
here. The repertoire of this great actress, as
we have said, Is exceedingly full and diversi-
fed. 1t comprises such characters as Eliza
beth of England, Jeanne dare, Adrienne LIE
Couvreur, and many others, of a purely Ger
man type, familiar enough In Germany, but
new to our stage.
The great dramatic qualities, the musi-
cal voice, the classic figure, the beauty
of face, and the wonderful power
she possesses in the delineation Of all the
human passions will commend this favorite
tr0gsdienne to her country people here, as
they did at home, and no doubt the sue
cess which awaits her in this country will
be contributed to by Americans as well as
Germans. The language of Goethe and
Schiller is hardly foreign tongue in New
York. 1t is the language almost as much
Of our drawing room literature as of the
students closet
We are glad to learn that Seebach will be
accompanied by complete company of
artists, selected from the leading theatres of
Germany, nearly all of whom have been accus-
toned to play ''star" engagements. This was a
wise provision of the manager. We know by
our experience of former foreign luminaries
how essential it is to have cast of superior
excellence to support the leading artist She
may soar into the heavens Of dramatic perfec-
ton, but clumsy staff Of supporters, without
talent passion or Judgment would be very
apt to pull her down again. We are glad that
we shall be spared this modification. The
| coming of Marie Seebach is looked upon with
| lively interest among all classes. Her fame
has long preceded her. 1t will be an agree
able privilege of the American people to add
another leaf to the chaplet with which Europe
has already crowned her.