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CASTRATI |
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Cecilia BARTOLI's superb new CD "OPERA PROIBITA" has awakened a new interest in the world of the castrato singer. The hybrid vocalists dominated the operatic scene during the 17th century till they began falling from fashion starting in the late 18th century/early 19th century. Here are some souvenirs of some of the illustrious names and the works they sang. | |
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to view image
BROSCHI, Carlo (FARINELLI)- lithograph by Guzzi 7 x 9" of the great soprano castrato trained by the composer/teacher Nicola PORPORA
became perhaps the most famous castrato of all time a living legend for his great virtuosity and beauty of voice as well as his lengthy
stay at the Spanish court where he sang the same 4 arias to the depressed king night after night. They lavished a fortune of money, honors
and opportunity upon him. He composed, collected great art and was very influential
CONTI, Gioachimo (GIZZIELLO)- lithograph by Piotti 7 x 9" of the soprano castrato who came to London in Handel's Italian Opera at
Covent Garden and became a rival to Farinelli who was appearing with Porpora's troupe the Lincoln Inn Fields Theatre. He created Handel's
"Ariodante" among other of the composer's operas. He was famed for his high notes and the only time Handel composed a high C was for him!
CRESCENTINI, Giralamo- superb lithograph by 13 x 19" of the mezzo soprano castrato a pupil of Gibelli in Bologna he created Cherubini's
"Artaserse" at Livorno & at La Scala he created Zingarelli's "Romeo e Giulietta" where he enjoyed a great success as well as singing in all
the major Italian theatres and creating many other works eg Cimarosa's "I Curazi ed gli Orazi" at the Teatro alla Fenice. While in Venice
he taught Angelica Catalani, whilst in Napoli the young Bellini. Later he was a popular favorite in Vienna and Paris where he was a great
favorite of Napoleon. With Velutti he was the last of the GREAT castrati
CRESCENTINI, Giraolamo- ALS 1 p in Italian to " Napoli, 9 December 1834, Illustrious Signora Pacini (perhaps wife of the music
publisher I received your gracious letter with the greatest of pleasure, for your acquainting me with this promising musician you may
be sure that I will do everything in my power for this artist so highly recommended by you you will find enclosed a letter from me
addressed to Maestro Cherubini. I am asking your kind assistance in seeing that it is delivered to him. After you sent Signor Cottrau
(trasnscriber of Neopolitan & Sicilian folk songs & friend of Donizetti, Bellini, Rossini, Malibran etc.) 20 of my arietta I have
heard nothing. Regarding the next shipment if you could send it as soon as possible you would be doing me an enormous favor I thank
you for thinking of me With all best wishes Yours, Crescentini" SCARCE
MAJORANO, Gaetano (CAFARELLI)- lithograph by Stuppi 7 x 9" of the mezzo soprano castrato who took the name of his sponsor Dominco
Cafarelli as his stage name. A Porpora pupil he quickly emerged as a leading singer in all the major opera centers creating Handel's
"Serse" in London in 1738. He was an outrageous personality mimicking his colleagues, singing his own versions of music and talking with
the public while others sang
VELLUTI, Giovanni Battista- lithograph by Antonio Barnieri 13 x 19" of the last of the GREAT castrati he created roles in operas by
Niccolini ("Coriolano"-opposite Colbran), Rossini ("Aureliano Egitto") & Meyerbeer ("Il Crociato in Egitto" opposite Malibran). Like most
all the great castrati he enjoyed enormous international reclame. He was active in presenting operas in London|
LIBRETTI/PROGRAMMI of OPERA SUNG BY THE GREAT CASTRATI (V) = VIRTUOSO as castrati were listed in the programs of the time |
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SP - Signed Photo AL - Album Leaf AS - Autograph Sentiment PCC - Printed Calling Cards ALS - Autographed Letter Signed D/S - Dedicated & Signed |
ANS - Autographed, Note, Signed SPc - Signed Postcard AMusQS - Autographed Musical Quote Signed TLS - Letter signed by person described LS - Letter signed by person described, written by another |
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