A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Damoreau, Laure
DAMOREAU, Laure Cinthie Montalant, born at Paris Feb. 6, 1801, was admitted into a vocal class at the Conservatoire Nov. 28, 1808. She made quick progress, and soon began to study the piano. In 1814 she left the piano-class to enter that of vocalisation. She began her career by giving some concerts which were not successful. Engaged at the Théâtre Italien in second parts at the age of 18, Mlle. Cinti, as she now called herself, made her first appearance as Cherubino in 'Le Nozze.' She played the part with great charm and grace, but her time was not yet come. It was not till 1821 that she attempted principal parts. In 22 she was engaged by Ebers for the London opera, at a salary of £500. She was young and pretty, her manners pleasing and elegant, and her acting correct and unaffected, if not forcible; but her voice was not strong enough for the size of the theatre, and she created little sensation. She returned to Paris, where she soon began to take a higher place; her salary was raised, and the arrival of Rossini was a fortunate event for her. She made her début at the Grand Opéra Feb. 24, 1826, in 'Fernand Cortez,' and her success was complete. Rossini wrote for her the principal female parts in the 'Siege de Corinthe' and 'Moise,' which contributed to her reputation. In consequence, however, of some misunderstanding with the management, Cinti quitted the theatre abruptly in 27, and went to Brussels, where she excited the greatest enthusiasm. Concessions having been made she returned to Paris; but, before leaving Brussels, was married to Damoreau, an unsuccessful actor. This union was not happy. Returned to Paris she resumed her career, singing in 'La Muette de Portici,' 'Le Comte Ory,' 'Robert le Diable,' and 'Le Serment,' in each more excellent than before. In 29 she took part, with Sontag and Malibran, in the 'Matrimonio Segreto.' Never was there a more brilliant combination; nor did Cinti suffer by comparison. Fétis boldly declares that she now became one of the best singers the world has known. In 32 she came over with a French company, and sang at Covent Garden in Meyerbeer's 'Robert le Diable.' Her engagement was not renewed in 1835, and she was gladly welcomed at the Opéra Comique, where Auber wrote for her such works as the 'Domino noir,' 'L'Ambassadrice,' and 'Zanetta.' Cinti retired from the stage in 1843, sang again in London in that year, then at the Hague, at Ghent in 1845, at St. Petersburg, at Brussels in 1846, and made a tour in the United States with the violinist Artot [App. p.605 "1843"]. In 1834 she had been appointed professor of singing at the Conservatoire in Paris; this place she resigned in 1856, and retired to Chantilly, and died in 1863.
Mme. Cinti published an 'Album de romances,' and a few separate pieces. She wrote also a 'Méthode de chant,' dedicated to her pupils. Her son died at an early age after distinguishing himself by some vocal compositions ; and her daughter, a singer, married M. Weckerlin.[ J. M. ]