What was the real price of the crystal-pure voice singing castrati

Seventy million nine hundred fifteen thousand three hundred thirty seven

Beautiful Opera voice valued in all ages. But in the XVI century the Catholic Church forbade women to speak in the Vatican. They were replaced by the singers-boys. But life is life, with young talents matured and their voices break and thicken. Then to preserve the beauty of the sound of the high voices of the boys are neutered.

The website talks about what life was waiting for these boys.

The whim of the Catholic Church

Photo source: Kulturologia.cicatricosa the Church has always adhered to the Patriarchy. In 1588 Pope Sixtus V issued a decree banning the singing performances of women on any stage. This has created a serious problem for Opera, because women's treble was very important. At first the Opera for the performance of the women's games began to take the boys, but, due to the physiological changes they long to be on stage could not. Voice simply broke and were no longer suited for singing. To ensure that the boys remained on stage, they were simply castrated. The voice was high forever.

The procedure for changing boys

In the understanding of the Directors of the Opera performances of that time, the transformation of boys into eunuchs was the best outlet for art. Talented young Italians were placed in a hot bath, hocus sedation and performed the procedure. The only document extant, we can understand that in one case, the testicles were removed completely and the other was peredelyvala the bloodstream, supplying tissues with oxygen. By the beginning of the XVIII century work in Italian theaters received up to 4,000 boys a year. 20% after such conducted castration did not survive.

Appearance singers-eunuchs

As soon as castrated singers growing up, a lack of testosterone effect on their growth. Decreased muscle strength and bone mass. Boys castrated before 10 years, growing up without excess vegetation on the body. Contemporaries said that such singers was reminiscent of the gentle angels-the Seraphim. However, they also had disproportionately long arms and above-average growth.

Libido castrated Opera singers

Those boys who were subjected to the procedure of castration shortly before puberty, continued to develop physically. Some even had libido and erections. Because these singers had the ability to bear children, many of the ladies of high society often did their own lovers. Italian singers-the castrati were perceived by society as "special floor", so they were of sexual interest for women and men.

Narcissism

Castrati often behaved as a true Opera diva: was too emotional, staged tantrums and put a spoke in the wheel of the other performers. In addition, they carefully watched their appearance, not only on stage but also in everyday life.

The popularity achieved only a few

Despite the fact that thousands of talented boys subjected to the procedure of castration, really popular, rich and loved by the public was only one.

A ban on castration in the name of art

Castration in the name of art was officially banned in the early nineteenth century, but Italian doctors continued to resort to this procedure until 1870. It is very popular in the Sistine chapel to enjoy the singing of boys and men with crystal clear voices. Alessandro Moreschi was the last singer-the castrato, who until his death in 1922. His voice was recorded on the phonograph.

via www.kulturologia.ru/blogs/201116/32307/