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l6o ANNALS OF THE
Monday, September i8th. "Norma"was repeated,
for the benefit of Mdlle. Cruvelli.
On Tuesday, ipth, there was a repetition of "Otello,"
for the benefit of Signor Tamberlik last night of the en-
gagement.
The Operas on this occasion were performed in a style
worthy of London. The chorus was more numerous and
complete than on former occasions ; and the dresses, from
the Covent Garden wardrobe, perfect. Sophie Cruvelli
appeared like a brilliant meteor, and during her short and
extraordinary career, astonished and delighted the musical
world. The impression left on those who had the good
fortune to hear and see her could never be obliterated.
Her voice a mezzo soprano of great compass seemed
to contain all the perfections of every register of the
female voice concentrated. It bore no comparison to
that of any other artiste. It was rich beyond compare,
and the equality " all round " was wonderful, the highest
notes never losing in quality.
In fact, words must fail in
describing the qualities of this great artiste, who too soon
disappeared from the lyric stage. Coming after Grisi,
Cruvelli had a severe ordeal to undergo, commencing
with " "
Norma ; but her rendering was so totally
diiferent and original, that universal delight took the
place of comparison. The career of this great artiste
was of short duration, but her many friends had satisfaction
in knowing that she had made an exalted
marriage.
On Tuesday, May i5th, appeared an Italian Opera
Company, including Mdme. Alboni, Mdlle. Jenny Bauer,