The Castrato Sacrifice: Was it Justified? Page: 3
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unique insight. The vast influence on music in general and particularly the history of opera of
these amazing singers cannot be denied. Was the sacrifice they made personally worth the
possible professional glory? Was what they actually sacrificed a life of poverty and an uncertain
future? Were they better off? Was it worth it?
To begin, the process itself should be examined as history. How long has this strange
phenomenon taken place? Castration certainly was not a new practice in the 16th century.
Ancient Greek, Roman, Near East, Indian, and Egyptian sources give us rather graphic
depictions of castration. In ancient mythology, castration was even a prevalent practice among
the gods. Castration was seen as a symbol of the existence of cosmic forces, a fitting punishment
for battles that were lost, or simply as a means of plain and simple revenge. A story that has been
weaved into opera, the mythical tale of Isis and Osiris, was steeped in this practice. Osiris
himself and Seth, his son, were both said to have been castrated. Mythology dictates that Osiris's
condition was completely reversed by Isis. She somehow replicated his phallus, which became a
sacred symbol thereafter. Consecrated replicas were later carried in festivals of Pamyles for the
purpose of immortalizing Isis's miraculous deed. Castration has found its way into many rites
th
and rituals, even in modern times. Every July 26th, women in Rome will carry a fascinum replica
in a solemn processional to the temple of Venus, placing it upon the goddesses' breast. Evidence
of observance of this type of ritual seems to be present in all Mediterranean cultures. Castration
was not something to be ashamed of. Androgyny was also very prevalent and important to
mythology, particularly later Greek mythology. It was a characteristic feature of the gods, and an
androgynous being was seen as an exalted creature (Scholz 2001).
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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/m1/6/: accessed May 10, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .