Charles Burney, the most important music historian of the late 18th century, made a trip to Vienna in 1772. While visiting the residence of the famous opera librettist Pietro Metastasio, their group was interrupted by “the arrival of a young lady, who was received by the whole company with great respect. She was well dressed, and had a very elegant appearance.”
Burney explained that “this was Signora Martinez.” The daughter of an imperial librarian, she “was born in the house” where Metastasio lived “and educated under his eye.”
