The World of the Castrati: The History of an Extraordinary Operatic Phenomenon
by Patrick Barbier
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Book Summary Information
Author: Patrick BarbierEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); French (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1998-09-01
ISBN: 0285634607
Number of pages: 272
Publisher: Souvenir Press
Book Reviews of The World of the Castrati: The History of an Extraordinary Operatic Phenomenon
Book Review: Eviva
Summary: 5 Stars
No serious discussion of opera would be complete without mentioning the castrati; the period which gave rise to the castrati, their lives and work, and their legacy as it affects us today. In Barbier's book the reader is given an extraordinarily well researched, informative and entertaining look at the castrato phenomenon from it's earliest beginnings, through the so called "golden age", and right on into the twentieth century. While presenting a tremendous amount of information the book is never boring or pedantic but rather gives a unique insight into a subject that many, even the most learned opera cognoscenti, would not want to discuss.Along with the lives of the greatest operatic castrati (Farinelli, Senesino et al.) Barbier gives details of almost every castrato of any significance in the history of opera. He also provides an informative description of the physical caharacteristics of eunuchs along with the social, religious, and political conditions that ushered in and provided for the existence of the castrati.
Any person who wishes to learn more about the castrati, their role in the development of opera, or simply to expand his or her knowledge of opera history should read this book.
Summary of The World of the Castrati: The History of an Extraordinary Operatic Phenomenon
This entertaining and authoritative study of the castrati during the baroque period explores the lives and triumphs of more than 60 singers over three centuries?their social origins, training, and relationship to society and church. Blending history and anecdote, it traces the course of a phenomenon that held Europe in its thrall. People were fascinated by these hybrids?part man, part woman, and part child?who became virile heroes on the operatic stage. The reader will learn of the horrors of castration, the nature of the strange castrato voice, and the conflicts these singers experienced.
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