The Classical Music Minute
The Classical Music Minute
Echoes of Eternity: The Rise and Fall of the Castrato
Description
Echoes of Eternity: The Rise and Fall of the Castrato in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
One of the most famous castrato songs is Son qual nave ch'agitata, performed by Farinelli in the opera *Artaserse* by composer Leonardo Vinci. This aria, known for its demanding vocal range and emotional depth, showcased Farinelli's exceptional voice, making him a sensation across Europe.
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About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, he creates a range of works, with an emphasis on the short-form genre—his muse being to offer the listener both the darker and more satiric shades of human existence. If you're interested, please check out his music website for more. Member of the Canadian League Of Composers.
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The history of the castrato, a male singer castrated before puberty to maintain a high-pitched voice, dates back to the mid-16th century. This practice began in Italy, fueled by the Catholic Church's ban on women singing in choirs. By removing the male singer’s ability to undergo the physical changes of puberty, castrati retained a unique vocal quality—high, powerful, and flexible.
Castrati reached the peak of their fame in the 17th and 18th centuries, especially in opera, where they were celebrated for their ability to perform demanding roles. Singers like Farinelli became international superstars, captivating audiences across Europe with their remarkable voices and virtuosity.
However, the practice of castration for musical purposes became increasingly controversial, and with changing tastes in music and social attitudes, the demand for castrati declined in the 19th century. By the early 1900s, the practice was banned, and the last known castrato, Alessandro Moreschi, died in 1922. His recordings offer the only remaining glimpse of this once celebrated phenomenon.