Henriette Sontag

Karl Christian Aubel, portrait of the soprano Henriette Sontag, 1833, Middle Rhine Museum Koblenz

Henriette Sontag (1806–1854) is considered one of the most famous singers of her time. She was born in Koblenz as the daughter of an actor who worked there. After training in Prague she quickly made a name for herself, was hired in Vienna and sang in the premiere of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and the partial premiere of the Missa Solemnis in 1824. (Beethoven thanked her explicitly „for her wonderful participation“ in this concert in a letter dated March 5th , 1824.) Soon „the divine Jette“ became a star, around whom a cult was built that can be compared to today’s media phenomena in the music scene. Not only reproduced pictures but also real souvenirs were fanatically collected and guarded as treasures. After „the Sontag“ married and was now Countess Rossi she withdrew from the stage – and had to return in 1851 after her husband lost his fortune. Although she was able to build on her previous successes she died of cholera in 1854 while on a concert tour in Mexico.

(Image and text [slightly adapted] taken from: Fachbach, J.: „not only for those who understand music, but for all and those who love only the art of music“ – Music on the Middle Rhine between court and bourgeoisie. In: von der Bank, M. [Hrsg.][2020]: Museum Mother Beethoven House. Petersberg 2020)