2-888-268 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Madame Fiorentini, as "Norma" (at Her Majesty's Theatre, London), 1850. 'Madame Fiorentini's Norma is rather the gentle woman whose deep love for her Roman seducer swallows up all other feelings. Her instincts are full of love and kindliness. She has no vengeance for Dollione, no animosity for Adelgisa; all her emotions are full of womanhood; she is feminine, and plastic, and passionate ; the outraged Queen and priestess is transformed into the weeping mother, the sympathising friend, and the bereaved woman. The rendering of the famous scena, "Casta Diva," was satisfactory in all respects, and was deservedly applauded; and Signora Fiorentini was called for at the conclusion.' From "Illustrated London News", 1850.