The Rise of the Castrati in Early Opera
Nicol mac Donnachaidh
The Castrati were a known commodity in Western Classical music from the Renaissance until the early 20th century. This eunuch vocal range had a distinctive character, and was sought after throughout Europe from the 12th century on. How did that come to be, what were the forces that found children as young as 8 entering this sort of service?
Recommended Materials: Headphones, or some place they can listen.
1 hour