[Sontag, Henriette. (1806-1854)] Wächter, Johann Michael. (1794–1853)
Two Autograph Panegyrics, 1852
Two autograph panegyrics to the legendary German soprano, written and presented to her on the occasion of a performance in Dresden in March 1852. One page each, written on the rectos of sheets with embossed decorative frames. In German, each in black ink. First item: by Austrian baritone Johann Michael Wächter, who appeared onstage at the concert alongside Sontag. Poem of eight lines followed by prose dedication: "Complete, majestic woman, the favor of fate that allowed me once more, after our life paths had been separate for such a long time, to perform with you, sublime artist, and to be reminded of the most beautiful past, by accepting these most deeply felt words." Signed "Wächter" (initials "J.M." added in pencil in an unknown hand), dated "Dresden, March 8, 1852." 8 x 9.6 inches (24 x 20 cm), unevenly cut. Second item: by Franz [illegible] Count Boyen[?]. Aphorism: "There are just a few whom art marks with perfection on their brow. Beholding them, the heart indulges in past and present!" Signed in full. Date: "Dresden, March 1852." 7.3 x 5.3 inches (18.5 x 13.5 cm), mounted on white paper. In very good condition. Both items from the album of Sontag (note on verso in an unknown hand).Henriette Sontag, a coloratura soprano, was arguably the most celebrated German singer of her time and sang in the premieres of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and Missa Solemnis and in the first performance of Weber's Euryanthe. A few months after the Dresden concert, she embarked on her only American tour, which was a great success. (19802)