ROOM 4 – DOLCE SPOSA

The letters, portraits and the composer’s own motto, ‘Spunto mai spento’ (Inspiration never dies), allow us to sketch a profile of Spontini as a man characterised by seriousness and an almost excessive commitment. Born in the Marche region of Italy from humble origins, the composer always stood out for his extraordinary vitality and the determination with which he approached every experience. He was also a passionate man, with a deep sense of self and a marked aptitude for leadership, as demonstrated by his conducting. His gentleness emerges from the letters he wrote to his wife, his sweet bride, Maria Caterina Celeste Erard. Gaspare and Celeste were married on 3 August 1811. The marriage was particularly welcomed by Empress Josephine, so much so that the notarial deed regulating the financial relations between the two spouses was signed by “Joséphine”. Although she remained in his shadow, Celeste played an important role in the musician’s artistic life; he dedicated his greatest work, Agnes von Hohenstaufen, to her. Born in Paris on 10 July 1790, was the daughter of Giovanni Battista and granddaughter of Sebastiano Erard, renowned makers of harps and fortepianos.