You read that title correctly.
At one point in history, young boys were castrated before puberty in the hopes that they would grow up to have an angelic, unbroken singing voice.
These castrated male singers were known as castrati, and their unique voices allowed them to sing repertoires usually reserved for women and children.
Prepare to be equal parts fascinated and disturbed as we explore this shocking musical tradition that lasted for centuries.
The Castrati Voice
The castrati’s vocal range was truly astonishing.
By undergoing castration before puberty, castrati avoided a voice drop that comes with male puberty.
This gave them access to the highest vocal registers normally limited to women and young children.
Not only could castrati sing extremely high notes, but they also developed remarkably powerful and resonant voices.
This combination was nothing short of angelic and quickly made the castrati hugely desired vocal performers.
The Castrati Tradition
Castration for the sake of creating castrati singers was most prevalent in Italy from the 1500s to the late 1800s.
During this time, the Catholic Church banned women from performing in churches and religious operas.
Given the Church’s powerful influence over the arts, the demand for castrati to fill these vocal roles soared.
Wealthy families sought to have one of their sons castrated, believing this sacrifice could lift them out of poverty.
Ethics and Controversy
As you can probably imagine, the castrati tradition was highly controversial and unethical even during its time.
Some castrati were willing participants, while others were castrated against their will as children.
Many castrati lived lives of shame, resentment, and depression over having been robbed of a normal life.
Despite efforts to outlaw it, families continued the practice in secret for potential musical stardom.
The End of the Castrati
Thankfully, times changed and the castrati’s angelic voices eventually faded away.
By the late 19th century, the tradition was seen as disturbingly unethical and inhumane.
Laws were enacted banning castration, while the inclusion of women in operas and religious music eliminated the need for castrati.
The last castrato singer of the tradition died in 1922, finally bringing this dark chapter in musical history to a close.
Conclusion
While the castrati had astonishingly beautiful voices, the means to achieve them were incredibly cruel.
It’s horrifying to think of the thousands of boys mutilated for the sake of musical entertainment and employment.
Let this be a lesson that we must be ever vigilant against unethical practices, even those wrapped in the guise of art and culture.
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