For two centuries, the castrati were the darlings of the operatic stage. They enjoyed the adulation of European society, were patronised by royalty and were the pop stars of their era. How did the phenomenon come about? Why were boys deprived of their manhood to satisfy the eccentric taste of a baroque society that demanded that its heroes should sing with female voices? Entertaining, authoritative, as dazzling as its subject, this comprehensive study looks at every aspect of their lives - from their social origins, rigorous training, brilliant careers and their often lonely and...
For two centuries, the castrati were the darlings of the operatic stage. They enjoyed the adulation of European society, were patronised by royalty an...
Barbier (history of music, Western Catholic U. of Angers, France) explores facets of Parisian musical life both on and off stage during the first half of the 19th century. He discusses the operatic tradition from grand opera to the parodies of vaudeville, describes the society and customs of opera a
Barbier (history of music, Western Catholic U. of Angers, France) explores facets of Parisian musical life both on and off stage during the first half...
