The Castrato Sacrifice: Was it Justified? Page: 2
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different as well. Family units were not the same as they are in modern times, which may
possibly shed some light on what type of situation might drive a family to go the route of
castration in order to survive. By exploring the economic and social situations that might cause a
family to choose this option, it can be determined whether or not it was truly a voluntary decision
of the boys or terrible sacrifice imposed by an uncaring family.
The lives of the castrati themselves will be examined. The most successful castrati
became perhaps the first international celebrities, commanding outrageous salaries, lavishly
detailed contracts, and even enjoying great political influence at times. What were their daily
lives like growing up as these strange creatures, separated from their families in conservatories
and churches? Were they better off? What about the less successful singers? Did they have
comfortable lives as well? By exploring specific lives of such castrati as Farinelli, Balatri, the
author of the only known castrato autobiography, and Senesino, Handel's favorite, and naturally
the great Farinelli, who became perhaps the most celebrated singer of all time, perhaps an answer
can be found.
I attempt to delve into the psyche of the castrati, and how the operation may have
affected how they saw life, and how they were seen by society. Were they worshipped? Feared?
Resented? It is difficult to determine exactly how they may have felt, as they cannot be
interviewed directly. But through their personal correspondence and observing the details of
their miraculous careers, particularly the cosmopolitan travels of Balatri, we can formulate a
theory.
The world of the castrati is shrouded in a veil of mystery. Perhaps some light can be shed
on these strange creatures by exploring their way of life, the times in which they lived, and their
unique struggles and triumphs will. Discussions with a modern day castrato will give a bit of
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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/m1/5/: accessed April 27, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .