The Esterházy family, a prominent aristocratic dynasty in Europe, has long been associated with grandeur and opulence. However, a recent development has shed light on the complex and intriguing history of the family's fortune. The current Prince Esterházy von Galántha, Prince Pál Esterházy von Galántha, and his family have been at the center of a controversy surrounding the family's vast fortune, estimated to be around €800 million. This fortune, once controlled by the Esterházy family, has been passed into foundations controlled by a nephew, Stefan Ottrubay, rather than the family itself. The story of how this came to be is a fascinating tale of family dynamics and power struggles.
The Esterházy family's history dates back to the 17th century, with a long line of princes and princesses who have played significant roles in European politics and society. The current Prince Esterházy von Galántha, Prince Pál Esterházy von Galántha, is the son of Prince Antal Esterházy von Galántha and Countess Gabriella Apponyi de Nagy-Appony. He has been married twice, first to Princess Ursula König and then to Svetlanta Nyikolajevna. The family's fortune has been a subject of interest and controversy, with the recent shift in control sparking questions about the future of the Esterházy legacy.
who is Prince Anton Esterházy von Galántha
what are the main achievements of Prince Anton Esterházy von Galántha
- Patronage of Joseph Haydn: Prince Anton was a patron of the renowned composer Joseph Haydn, supporting his work and providing him with a full-scale opera company.
- Military Career: Prince Anton had a distinguished military career, serving as a General of the Cavalry during the Seven Years' War and later as a Field Marshal.
- Cultural Contributions: He oversaw the Europeanization of his court at Eisenstadt, developed a large library, sponsored theatrical productions, and reorganized the musical staff at his court, bringing in new players and appointing Joseph Haydn as Vice-Kapellmeister.
- Family Legacy: Prince Anton was part of a long line of influential Esterházy princes, contributing to the family's extensive landholdings, cultural patronage, and significant wealth.
- Personal Life: He married twice, first to Princess Ursula König and then to Svetlanta Nyikolajevna, and had a son, Hereditary Prince Pál-Antal, who will eventually become the Head of the Princely House.
how did Prince Anton Esterházy von Galántha's patronage influence Joseph Haydn's career
Patronage and Employment
- Employment: Haydn was hired by Prince Pál Antal Esterházy in 1761 as assistant conductor of the Esterházy family orchestra. He later became the musical director at the Esterházy court in 1766, where he composed numerous symphonies, string quartets, and other chamber music.
- Freedom and Support: Prince Nikolaus, Haydn's primary patron, provided him with the freedom to compose and flourish. Haydn was able to establish a close friendship with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and continued to gain notoriety throughout Europe.
- Travel and Inspiration: Haydn's employment by the Esterházys allowed him to travel to England in 1790, where he wrote some of his most well-known symphonies. This period of travel and exposure to new influences further enhanced his compositional skills.
- Legacy: Haydn's patronage by the Esterházys helped establish him as one of the most important figures in the development of the Classical style in music during the 18th century. His compositions, including symphonies and string quartets, continue to be celebrated and performed worldwide.
It has recently been made known that Prince Anton Esterházy von Galántha (b.1936) remarried in June 2013 to Svetlanta Nyikolajevna (b.1956). The couple have been together for fifteen years. Anton is the only child of Prince Antal Esterházy von Galántha (1903-k.i.a. 1944) and Countess Gabriella Apponyi de Nagy-Appony (1910-1986).
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| Prince Anton, Princess Ursula, and Prince Pál-Antal |
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| Princess Ursula Esterházy von Galántha with Dr Georg Simnacher |
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| Hereditary Prince Pál-Antal Esterházy von Galántha |
In 1986, Prince Anton married Ursula König (b.1941). Later that year, the couple had their only child: Hereditary Prince Pál-Antal (b.1986). Anton and Ursula divorced in April 2013. Pál-Antal will eventually become the Head of the Princely House; he is the only living male member of the family aside from his father.
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| Princess Melinda Esterházy von Galántha |
Since 2014, Prince Anton and his son have been plagued by a problem caused by the will of Princess Melinda (1920-2014; née Ottrubay), who was the widow of Anton's uncle Prince Pál Esterházy von Galántha (1901-1989). Princess Melinda was the sole beneficiary of her husband's will. Upon her death, perhaps at her nephew's insistence, she allowed the Esterházy fortune, estimated at around € 800 million, to pass into foundations controlled, not by the Esterházy family, but by her nephew, Stefan Ottrubay.
As we conclude our exploration of the current Prince Esterházy von Galántha and his family, it is clear that their history is marked by significant events and controversies. The Esterházy family's fortune, estimated at around €800 million, has been a subject of interest and debate, particularly in regards to the will of Princess Melinda Esterházy von Galántha, who allowed the fortune to pass into foundations controlled by her nephew, Stefan Ottrubay, rather than the Esterházy family itself. This decision has led to a long-standing dispute between Prince Anton Esterházy von Galántha and his son, Hereditary Prince Pál-Antal Esterházy von Galántha, who are fighting to regain control over the family's vast fortune. The legacy of the Esterházy family is a testament to their enduring influence in European history and society, and it is crucial to understand the complexities surrounding their fortune to appreciate the full extent of their impact.
In conclusion, the Esterházy family's history is a rich tapestry of intrigue, power struggles, and cultural patronage. The current Prince Esterházy von Galántha, Prince Pál Esterházy von Galántha, and his family have been at the center of a controversy surrounding the family's vast fortune, which has been a subject of interest and debate. The Esterházy family's association with the composer Joseph Haydn, who was employed by the family to compose music for their court, is a significant aspect of their legacy. The family's patronage of the arts has left a lasting impact on European music and culture, and their story serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of aristocratic families in shaping the course of history. As we reflect on the Esterházy family's legacy, it is clear that their story is one of power, patronage, and the enduring impact of aristocratic families on European history and society.
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