ROOM 5 – THE LAST YEARS

Frederick William III, Gaspare Spontini’s main supporter in Berlin, died in 1840. In 1841, after continuous disputes with the new theatre superintendent, Gaspare Spontini was accused of lese majesty.

In 1842, he was removed from his position and the new sovereign, Frederick William IV, granted him a pension. Spontini’s last years were characterised by numerous trips between Italy, Paris and Berlin and by his philanthropic activities. In 1847, he ended his artistic career conducting Olympie at the Lower Rhine Music Festival in Cologne. Spontini arrived in Jesi in 1850, where he was welcomed with honours and grand celebrations. From Jesi he went to Maiolati, never to leave again. The Spontinis had no children, but this never affected their loving and harmonious relationship; instead, it led to the establishment of many charitable works in favour of Jesi and Maiolati. On 24 January 1851, at the age of 76, Gaspare Spontini died of pulmonary complications in Celeste’s arms. His body was laid to rest in the church of Santo Stefano in Maiolati, awaiting transfer to the tomb in the Church of San Giovanni.

After Spontini’s death, Celeste continued to administer the Opere Pie, their charitable works, revealing the sensitivity and love she felt for her beloved husband and for the small town that was home to his grave. An example of this is the statue dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, inaugurated in 1858. Erected at Celeste’s request, the statue is located in the public park that Spontini had built as a tribute to his sweet wife, the Parco Colle Celeste.