Erzherzog Ferdinand von Österreich-Este - Urkunde für die Witwe Giovanni Battista Sammartinis - 1775

An extraordinary music-historical document from Habsburg Milan: Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Este confirms in 1775 the pension granted by Maria Theresa for the widow of the important composer Giovanni Battista Sammartini, one of the most significant pioneers of the classical symphony.

Ferdinand Karl Anton Joseph Johann Stanislaus von Österreich (1754–1806), Archduke of Austria, Duke of Breisgau, founder of the Austria-Este line and Governor-General of Lombardy. Document in Italian, dated Milan, 11 April 1775. Double sheet on handmade paper, printed on both sides, ca. 33 × 43 cm, with watermark “Beinette” and a crowned coat of arms, paper-thick blind seal, and handwritten signature “Ferdinando.” Counter-signed by the Austrian statesman and minister Karl Joseph von Firmian (1716–1782).
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The document concerns Rosalinda Reguardia, widow of the Milanese composer Giovanni Battista Sammartini (c. 1700/01–1775), who died in January 1775 in Milan, where he served, among other roles, as Maestro di Cappella. Sammartini is among the leading Italian instrumental composers of the 18th century and, especially with his numerous symphonies, a key pioneer of the classical symphony.

Of particular music-historical interest is the assessment of Sammartini contained in the document. He is not only referred to as a generally famous musician, but is explicitly reminded that he had given music instruction to Maria Beatrix d’Este (1750–1829), the wife of Archduke Ferdinand. Thus the document directly records Sammartini’s activities within the intimate circle of the Habsburg-Este court in Milan.

After his death, his widow Rosalinda Reguardia apparently found herself in economic need. The request for support reached the Vienna court via the Austrian minister and Milanese General Agent Graf Karl Joseph von Firmian, a prominent promoter of the city’s cultural and musical life. Maria Theresa thereby granted, on 6 March 1775 in Vienna, an annual pension of 500 Lire paid from state funds. The grant was tied to Rosalinda’s widowhood and would cease in the event of her remarriage.

The Vienna decree was subsequently transmitted to Milan and executed there on 11 April 1775 by Archduke Ferdinand. At the end is his distinctive handwritten signature “Ferdinando,” beside Firmian’s counter-signature. Further contemporary notes document the administrative course of the document.

The document thus unusually unites music history, Habsburg court history, and the Austrian administration of Lombardy: Sammartini, Maria Beatrix d’Este, Maria Theresa, Archduke Ferdinand, and Graf Firmian are brought into direct relation within a single procedure. By the concrete provision for Sammartini’s widow shortly after his death, the document also carries a noteworthy biographical source value for the important Milanese composer.
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Overall, an attractive and very well-preserved large-format document of significant musical and cultural-historical interest, with Archduke Ferdinand’s handwritten signature, a blind seal, and only the customary folding and light aging.