The Castrati in Opera

Heriot, Angus

22 ratings by Goodreads

Language: English

Published by Da Capo Press, New York, 1975

0306800039 / 9780306800030

  • Softcover
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Seller: Turtle Creek Books and Sheet Music, Mississauga, ON, CanadaTurtle Creek Books and Sheet Music

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AbeBooks seller since August 9, 2002

Softcover

Condition: Used - Very good

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Item description from seller

From the back cover : "Castration of young boys in order to preserve their alto and soprano voices was one of the more curious aberrations of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Italian surgeons risked the penalty of death for performing the operation and the subjects themselves, excommunication from the Catholic Church (ironically, they were in constant demand to fill Roman church choirs). Nevertheless, the practice continued and scores of these inging eunuchs achieved extraordinary fame and popularity as Italian opera spread over Europe. Although criticized for their vanity and arrogance, the castrati were eagerly courted by European nobility because their bravura technique and amazing lung power ensured the success of operas by, among others, Gluck, Handel, Mozart, and Rossini - the latter himself was saved from the sugeon's knife by the last-minute intercession of his mother. Angus Heriot has written the only study in English on this bizarre period in the history of opera. He traces the rise and fall of these incredible performers from St. Paul's edict forbidding women to sing in church, to the confused political climate of the early 19th century which brought about their downfall. Especially interesting are the lives of the renowned Senesino, Favinetti, and Pacchierotti, and Mr. Heriot has spiced his account with humorous anecdotes of patrons, performers, teachers, and opera-goers." Minor edgewear otherwise a fine clean bright copy.…

Seller Inventory # 1012391

Bibliographic details

Title
The Castrati in Opera
Author
Heriot, Angus
Publisher
Da Capo Press, New York
Publication year
1975
Condition
Very Good
Binding
Sheet Music
Language
English
ISBN 10
0306800039
ISBN 13
9780306800030
Seller catalogs
.Music

Turtle Creek Books and Sheet Music

Mississauga, ON, Canada

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since August 9, 2002

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Turtle Creek Books and Sheet Music

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