Henrietta Louise, Countess of Pomfret, Correspondence between Francis, Countess of Hertford, and Henrietta Louise, Countess of Pomfret, between the Years 1738 and 1741

The Countess of Pomfret describes an improvised performance she witnessed in Florence, by a man and a woman improvising together. The Countess provides some details about the talents and virtue of the female improvisatrice in particular.

Performer Name:
 
Performance Venue:
Florence
Performance Date:
 
Author:
Pomfret, Countess of [Henrietta Louise]
Date Written:
1740
Language:
English
Publication Title:
Correspondence between Francis, Countess of Hertford, and Henrietta Louise, Countess of Pomfret, between the Years 1738 and 1741
Article Title:
Letter to Francis, Countess of Hertford
Page Numbers:
2:59-60
Additional Info:
 
Publisher:
[Phillips]
Place of Publication:
London
Date Published:
1805

Text:

[59] Amongst other amusements on the day of the race, they provided one peculiar to this country,–called singing al'improviso. A man and woman (the former celebrated for his learning, and the latter for her genius) maintained a dialogue to music. I was requested to give them the subject, and I proposed the question, "Why women are generally more constant in love than men?" They began; and, with an infinite deal of wit on both sides, they each supported their opinions with quotations from both prophane and sacred history, which they applied in a most lively and various manner for near two hours, without any pauses more than were necessary for the music. I wished to have their composition in writing: but they told me that was impossible; for, were they to be- [60] gin again immediately, they should not be able to repeat what they had said before. — In this woman there is something very extraordinary and interesting. The princess Violante, driving one day in the country, heard her singing as she spun; and being then but seventeen, she was immediately taken to court, where she was advanced to be dresser. In this situation, although her genius has improved, her humility and virtue have not decreased; but she has lived with the esteem and love of every body that has known her. She is married to a substantial tradesman, and enjoys a small fortune which she owes to the bounty of the princess; and, from a respect to her memory and commands, she has ever refused all proposals for performing in public. In the present instance, had not madame Suares been one of the family, I should not have heard her.

Notes:

Letter dated 14 August 1740, Florence

Collected by:
DP