Benjamin Lumley - 20 May, 1848

from Reminiscences of the Opera, page 223:

Scarcely less noteworthy was the first appearance of the well-known English tenor, Mr. Sims Reeves, in the part of Carlo, on the same occasion. It was in those days a rare event for an English singer to venture upon the boards of the Anglo-Italian stage; and the force of fashion and prejudice made the venture one of unusual difficulty. But with his advantages of Italian training and style, Mr. Sims Reeves was entitled to be fairly considered as an Italian singer. He had not only a beautiful natural organ, but expression and passion were at his command, and there can be little doubt that he might have permanently justified the enthusiastic welcome of what might be termed the "national" portion of the audience of Her Majesty's Theatre, and might have battled successfully against prejudice, had not difficulties, created by himself, arisen, and caused his secession for the remainder of the season.

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Benjamin Lumley, Reminiscences of the Opera (London, 1864), p. 223. https://led.kmi.open.ac.uk/entity/lexp/1438767408756 accessed: 29 March, 2024

Listeners

Benjamin Lumley
Opera manager, Solicitor
1811-1875

Listening to

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Linda di Chamouni
written by Gaetano Donizetti
performed by Eugenia Tadolini, Sims Reeves

Experience Information

Date/Time 20 May, 1848
Medium live
Listening Environment in the company of others, indoors, in public

Originally submitted by sp327 on Wed, 05 Aug 2015 10:36:49 +0100
Approved on Wed, 20 Apr 2016 13:34:16 +0100