The Castrato Sacrifice: Was it Justified? Page: 1
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Perhaps the greatest mystery in the history of opera is the Italian castrato singers of the
Baroque period. These strange phenomena can more easily be seen as ethereal voices whose
mystique cannot be duplicated by any amount of modern training or specialized technique, rather
than as human musicians who simply wanted to perform or serve the Church with their unique
talent. Castration has existed throughout history since Ancient Egypt, and even was present in
Ancient Egyptian myth, particularly in the story of Isis and Osiris. Although it was historically
used for such sinister purposes as punishment, revenge, and even as the "spoils" of victory,
castration was also used for "higher" purposes such as achieving a spiritual and pure life without
"physical" distraction, and even for political gain. I will explore the rise to power of eunuchs in
the Byzantine Empire, who held almost every possible office, save that of emperor himself. But
the castrato singers seem to be the only example of castration used for "artistic" merit. Was it
just musically minded? Or were there other more compelling reasons for this sordid practice to
take place?
Who were these men who seemingly gave up so much for the sake of music? Under what
circumstances would a father allow his son to undergo such a mutilation? Was he sacrificing his
son for the good of the family? Or providing for his son's future the best way he knew how? To
examine questions like these, the circumstances and thought processes of the period must be
understood. In modern times it is practically impossible for us to conceive of such a practice. Yet
in the 18th century, economic, social, political, and even musical situations were vastly different.
Due to the so-called "crisis of the 17th century," which ravaged Europe with wars, plagues, and
devastating droughts, people were forced to resort to "creative forms of survival." High taxation
rates, deindustrialization, and a new practice of refeudalization drove families to take extreme
measures to avoid abject poverty. Many other factors concerning children themselves were
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Sowle, Jennifer. The Castrato Sacrifice: Was it Justified?, thesis, August 2006; Denton, Texas. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc5343/m1/4/: accessed April 27, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .