The Castrato Sacrifice: Was it Justified? Page: 62
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Despite his sarcastic view of the world and his own situation in particular, he seemed happy with
his existence, and his writing maintained a jovial feel, never really turning to the bitter side.
Naturally it is assumed that they may have feelings of inferiority because of their diminished
status as a male. But in society their vocal talent placed them on such a high pedestal that many
of them were outright worshipped: 'One God, one Farinelli!" They were the first true
international celebrities, predecessors to the Hollywood royalty that so many worship today.
Speaking to a natural castrato that lives today, John W. of New Zealand, gives a unique
perspective. Growing up as a castrato has given him a special insight to how they may have felt.
He firmly believes that the castrato singers of the 18th century were, for the most part, volunteers,
and lived a much better quality of life because of this operation. Another modern singer, Ernesto
Tomasini, states bluntly: "I regret not having been castrated. I would have perfectly happily
given up my masculinity for my art" (Ellis 2002). While this opinion is certainly not universal
for today's man, or even common, it dispels the modern thinking that no man would ever
voluntarily make such a sacrifice.
In addition to enriching their personal lives, where would opera be today without castrati?
These singers were absolutely essential to the development of opera, particularly since women
were discouraged and even banned in some Papal States from the stage. The music written for
these virtuosos would simply not have been created had there not been singers capable of such
feats. The popularity of opera spread wildly through Europe, as the castrati astounded audiences
with their angelic yet furiously passionate singing, and ethereal, androgynous beauty. Their
teachings were invaluable to the vocal world. The foundation of the bel canto singing of today is
attributed to singers that had been trained by the castrati. Rossini coloratura writing is attributed62
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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/m1/65/?rotate=90: accessed May 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .