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Article: A CUT ABOVE THE REST; Neither fully man nor woman, they were feted for their exquisite singing. But as a major new exhibition reveals, the castrati paid a terrible price for the talent that brought them unimaginable riches.
- Article from:
- Daily Mail (London)
- Article date:
- December 31, 2005
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 Solo Syndication Limited. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: GLENYS ROBERTS
THE operation was a delicate one.
Conducted by a back- street abortionist or a quack barber in a remote Italian village without anaesthetic, it could be lethal.
First, the child was placed in a warm bath of milk to soften the skin.
Or freezing water would be used to deaden the sensation.
If he was lucky, he might be given an opiate or alcohol to dull his senses.
More likely he would have his jugular squeezed until he became so light-headed through lack of blood to the brain he scarcely realised what was happening.