This page has been established as a source of information on the Castrati singers of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and the modern "countertenors" who strive to recreate their music. As time goes on, this page will be updated and new information added as it becomes available. Links to other sites with a similar theme will also be created so the viewer may scan information from many sources.

We will begin with a brief history of the Catrati. They were boys with soprano voices that were castrated in childhood for the purpose of replacing women in the choirs and on the opera stages of Europe. The Catholic Church had banned women from singing in Catholic countries and the Castrati were the solution. These eunuch singers far surpassed female sopranos and conrtaltos as their imature vocal chords combined with the lung power of an adult male gave them an incredible range and power.

Some of the more famous Castrati are listed here:

FARINELLI
Carlo Broschi (known as Farinelli) was castrated between the ages of seven and eight most likely by his father. He performed mostly in London, England during his professional career. In his early 30's he retired from public life and moved to Spain where he became the court singer to Philip V. Carlo's singing was the only thing that could lift the monarch from his depression. After Philip died, Carlo continued on under Ferdinand until his death. Upon the accension of Chalres III, Carlo was asked to leave Spain. He retired to his palazzo near Balonga where he lived out his days. He practiced every day until his death. When he passed away he left his estate to his nephews and the servants who had taken care of him in his senior years. It is said of Carlo that he was one of the most gentle souls that have ever walked the Earth. He was a devout Catholic who even had a private chapel installed in his home.

CAFFERELLI
Geatano Majoramo (known as Cafferelli) was reputed to have been a very tempermental singer. He was also said to have conducted love affairs with women all over Europe (amazing considering he was a eunuch.) He did show signs of becoming a more compassionate person in his declining years, especially as his voice began to fail him and some humility set in.

Giovanni Battista Velluti was reported to be the last known Castrati opera singer. His story is somewhat different from the other Castrati. He was meant to become a military officer by his parents, however, some ailment in childhood required a minor surgery. The doctor misunderstood what the parents were asking and castrated the child. He was not known to be the best singer, his training coming at the very end of the era. He was however, known to be one of the most handsome of the Castrati. His boyish looks lasted most of his life and his normal height and proportions made him more acceptable in public at the time.

Alessandro Moreschi was the very last (known) Castrati singer in the world. He was the director of the Sistine Chapel Choir and retired in 1913 (yes -- the early 20th century). He did leave us an incredible gift, wax cylinder recordings of his voice. There is a CD available of these recordings. The quality of the recordings are not great, and the singer was beyond his best years at the time. Also the singing style of the time is somewhat different from what we are used to today. It is interesting to hear a true Castrato sing though, and it is worth searching out the CD.

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