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 legacy is deeply rooted in the rich history of the Esterházy family. The family's association with the arts, particularly music, is a testament to their enduring influence on European culture. The Esterházys have been patrons of the arts, supporting the works of renowned composers such as Joseph Haydn, who served as their Kapellmeister for over three decades. This legacy continues to be celebrated today, with the family's contributions to the arts and their historical significance serving as a reminder of their enduring impact on European society.
In conclusion, the story of the current Prince Esterházy von Galántha and his family is a fascinating tale of family dynamics and power struggles. The family's fortune, estimated at around €800 million, has been passed into foundations controlled by Stefan Ottrubay rather than the Esterházy family itself. This shift in control has sparked questions about the future of the Esterházy legacy and the role of the family in shaping European history. As we reflect on the Esterházy family's enduring influence, we are reminded of the importance of preserving their legacy for future generations. The Esterházys have left an indelible mark on European culture, and their story serves as a testament to the power of family and the enduring impact of their contributions to the arts.
what are the main challenges faced by Prince Anton Esterházy von Galántha today
- Dispute Over Family Fortune: Prince Anton has been involved in a long-standing dispute over the Esterházy family fortune, which was passed into foundations controlled by Stefan Ottrubay rather than the family itself. This has led to legal battles and a significant loss of control over the family's assets.
- Loss of Family Properties: The Esterházy family has lost significant properties in Hungary due to the post-World War I land reforms and the confiscation of noble properties by the Communist government. This has left the family with limited assets and a reduced influence in the region.
- Limited Involvement in Family Foundations: Prince Anton and his son, Paul-Anton, are not involved in the Esterházy Foundation, which is managed by Stefan Ottrubay. This limited involvement has further reduced their control over the family's assets and legacy.
- Strained Family Relations: The disputes over the family fortune and properties have created significant tension within the family. Prince Anton and his son have been unable to see Melinda Ottrubay, the widow of Prince Paul, in her final years, and there are ongoing legal battles to regain family properties.
- Maintaining Family Legacy: Despite these challenges, Prince Anton is committed to preserving the Esterházy family's legacy and cultural heritage. He continues to support the arts and maintain the family's historical properties, such as Eszterháza Palace in Fertőd, Hungary.
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