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Article: The last castrato
- Article from:
- New Statesman
- Article date:
- December 8, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright New Statesman Ltd. Dec 8, 2008. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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The last castrato Jonathan Keates Moreschi: the Angel of Rome Nicholas Clapton Haus, 265pp. £16.99
The castrato craze was one of the most bizarre phenomena of the European Baroque period. In the middle years of the 16th century eunuchs began to be prized in the courts of Italy for their peculiar vocal power and brilliance. By 1600, Pope Clement VIII could solemnly declare that "the creation of castrati for Church choirs is to be held to the honour of God". A century later the gelded male, whether soprano or alto, dominated the Italian operatic scene. Stars such as Senesino, Caffarelli and Carestini earned huge salaries in the course of glittering international careers, while the legendary ...
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Article: CHOICE* Wednesday 5 July
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495 words
... ... programme also looks into the supposedly feminist Girl Power and at Jordan. *Castrato 9pmBBC4 Countertenor and historian Nicholas Clapton gives us the lowdown on castrati - male singers who had their genitals lopped off so they could sing at a high pitch ...
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