Original 1833 poster - Maria Malibran - "La Sonnambula" - Theatre Royal London - rare

Original 1833 poster - Maria Malibran - "La Sonnambula" - Theatre Royal London - rare. Original playbill from 1833 announcing a performance of the opera La Sonnambula by Vincenzo Bellini, performed at Theatre Royal Covent Garden, with the celebrated soprano Maria Malibran.

An authentic period piece, very rare, from the world of nineteenth-century London opera. Maria Malibran is one of the most important figures in the history of opera, which makes this poster extremely desirable for collectors.

The playbill is printed on original paper and is framed, ready for display. It shows normal wear consistent with its age (about 190 years), but is well preserved and fully legible.

The playbill is a remarkable example of ephemeral theatrical printing from the first half of the 19th century, documenting the activity of one of the most celebrated singers of the Romantic era, Maria Malibran. Dated 1833, the playbill announces a performance of the opera La Sonnambula by Vincenzo Bellini, performed at Theatre Royal Covent Garden (today known as the Royal Opera House).

The printing reflects the theatrical publicity practices of the period, with a dense structure of text, varied use of typefaces and emphasis on the names of the principal artists. In particular, the prominence given to Malibran underlines her exceptional standing in European musical culture, being celebrated for her rare vocal versatility – able to sing both soprano and contralto roles – and for her intense dramatic expressiveness.

The reference to „last night but two” suggests the limited nature of the run of performances and contributes to a sense of commercial urgency characteristic of theatrical marketing of the period. The listing of the full cast and of other works in the programme also gives a valuable picture of the repertoire and organisation of London operatic performances of the time.

Details:

• Year: 1833
• Dimensions with frame: 42.5 x 29.5 cm
• Original, NOT a copy
• Condition: good for its age