castrati

Castrati were male singers who were castrated before puberty in order to preserve a high vocal range into adulthood. The practice emerged in parts of Europe, especially Italy, and flourished during the late Renaissance and Baroque periods, when male voices with soprano or alto timbres were highly valued for certain roles in sacred and secular music.

The operation was typically performed in childhood or early adolescence, often by a barber-surgeon or physician. Ages varied, commonly around eight to fourteen. The procedure carried significant health risks, including infection, hormonal imbalance, and long-term medical complications. Despite these dangers, some castrati developed exceptional control of high registers and strong support, enabling virtuosic singing and dramatic expressiveness.

Castrati were prized for a combination of a persisting high voice and mature technical strength. They often sang leading parts in opera seria, as well as sacred works, and were prominent in European concert life. Their repertoire demanded extensive vocal agility, endurance, and emotional nuance. Notable castrati include Farinelli, Senesino, Caffarelli, and Pacchierotti, whose fame extended beyond music for patronage and public performances.

The practice began to decline in the late 18th century as theatrical norms evolved, women were increasingly admitted to the stage, and changing attitudes toward the ethics and health of the practice took hold. By the early 19th century castrati largely disappeared from secular opera, though a few remained in church choirs into the 19th century.

Today, the castrati are studied as an important, controversial chapter in music history. Their legacy influenced Baroque composition, and modern scholarship examines their technique, social context, and the ethical dimensions of the practice.