Maria Theresia Ahlefeldt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Princess Maria Theresia of Thurn and Taxis |
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| Countess of Ahlefeldt-Langeland | |||||
| Born | 16 January 1755 Regensburg, Free Imperial City of Regensburg, Holy Roman Empire |
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| Died | 20 December 1810 (aged 55) Prague, Kingdom of Bohemia, Austrian Empire |
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| Spouse | Ferdinand, Count of Ahlefeldt-Langeland | ||||
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| House | Thurn und Taxis Ahlefeldt |
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| Father | Alexander Ferdinand, 3rd Prince of Thurn and Taxis | ||||
| Mother | Princess Maria Henriette Josepha of Fürstenberg-Stühlingen | ||||
| Religion | Roman Catholic | ||||
Maria Theresia Ahlefeldt (born January 16, 1755 – died December 20, 1810) was a talented composer from Denmark. She was originally from Germany. Maria Theresia is famous for being the very first female composer known in Denmark's history.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Talent
Maria Theresia was born in Regensburg, a city that was part of the Holy Roman Empire at the time. She was the oldest daughter of Alexander Ferdinand, 3rd Prince of Thurn and Taxis. Her mother was Princess Maria Henriette Josepha of Fürstenberg-Stühlingen.
Maria Theresia grew up in a very artistic home. Her family's court in Regensburg was a lively place. It was a center for opera, theater, ballet, and concerts. She and her sisters learned to play the clavecin, which is an old musical instrument similar to a piano. Maria Theresia showed a special gift for writing music from a young age.
Marriage and New Beginnings
In 1772, Maria Theresia was engaged to Prince Joseph of Fürstenberg. However, in 1776, she developed feelings for Prince Philip of Hohenlohe. Her family did not approve of her marrying Philip.
Later, in 1780, Maria Theresia married Ferdinand, Count of Ahlefeldt-Langeland, in Prague. She did this against her family's wishes. Because she married without her family's permission, she had to leave her home to avoid trouble.
Life as a Composer
From 1780, Maria Theresia's husband worked at the court in Ansbach. There, Maria Theresia became involved in the local amateur theatre. She even wrote a libretto, which is the story or text for an opera or musical work.
Between 1792 and 1794, her husband worked for the Danish royal court. He was also the director of the Royal Danish Theatre. During this time, Maria Theresia composed music for many ballets, operas, and plays performed at the royal theater. She received great reviews for her music. People called her a "virkelig Tonekunstnerinde," which means 'a True Artist of Music'.
After her time in Denmark, Maria Theresia moved to Dresden with her husband in 1798. From 1800 until her death in 1810, she lived in Prague.
Selected Works
Maria Theresia Ahlefeldt created several musical pieces during her life. Here are some of her known works:
- La Folie, ou quel Conte! (a libretto she wrote in the 1780s)
- Telemak paa Calypsos Øe (music for an aria and choir, 1792)
- Veddemaalet (music, 1793)
- Romance de Nina (a romance piece, 1794/98)
