THE ARCHIVE

Where are Gaspare Spontini's writings kept?

The building that houses the Archive is the house that the Spontini couple had built with the intention of making it their residence upon their return to Maiolati, which only happened in September 1850 and for a few months.

The old rural building, purchased by the composer in 1842 from the Valchera family, was renovated in neoclassical style between 1843 and 1846 by the Jesi architect Ciriaco Santini, who was in constant correspondence with the owners. Gaspare Spontini spent the last months of his life here with his wife Maria Caterina Celeste Erard until his death on 24 January 1851. After that the building continued to host Celeste Erard’s stays in Maiolati after she returned to live in France and also became the headquarters of the Reggenza delle Opere Pie.

Between 1920 and 1936 the house was used as a town hall and then as a primary school, treasury, pharmacy, public housing, grain store and warehouse. It was only in 1951, on the centenary of his death, that the building was transformed into a museum and, on the proposal of the Ministry of Education (with Presidential Decree No. 1092 of 19 June 1951) it was declared a Monument

Where are Gaspare Spontini’s writings kept?
Today, the Gaspare Spontini Archive, Library and Museum, spread over three floors, is not only a place where memorabilia is exhibited, but also an important centre for study and research, where sheet music, musical manuscripts, autographed letters and photos of modern opera productions are preserved. In particular, the Archive is located on the ground floor where documents can be consulted by appointment and agreement with the conservatory.