Artist's biography
Originally from Albacina, the Spontini family moved to Maiolati in the second half of the 18th century. In 1772, Giovanni Battista married Teresa Guadagnini, originally from Monsanvito, and they had seven children, two of whom died after a few days. On 14 November 1774, at 3 p.m., their second child was born: Gaspare Spontini. Encouraged by his father to embrace a religious life following the example of his brothers, Spontini was sent as a child to the church of Santa Maria del Piano in Jesi by his paternal uncle, Don Giuseppe Spontini. After a brief period of study under his uncle’s personal supervision he was admitted to the seminary in Jesi. Unable to tolerate ecclesiastical studies, the young Spontini managed to attend music lessons and overcame his father’s opposition, who allowed him to complete his musical education. Leaving Naples, Spontini travelled to the major European courts, from Napoleon’s France to Berlin under Frederick William III of Prussia. Returning to Maiolati, Spontini devoted himself to charity work with the establishment of the Reggenza delle Opere Pie.
