Les Talens Lyriques created the soundtrack for the 1994 film 'Farinelli', which sold over a million CDs worldwide.
Historical Context
Castratos, like Farinelli, became the first 'superstars' of opera, earning considerable sums and inspiring 'hysterical adoration' from audiences.
Historical Context
The last castrato, Alessandro Moreschi, a soprano in the papal choir, made a rare recording on wax between 1902 and 1904.
Historical Context
The practice of castration for musical purposes was officially declared illegal in Italy in 1861 and prohibited by Pope Leo XIII in 1878.
Recording & Production
Two Handel arias on this album, 'Sta nell'Ircana' and 'Lascia ch'io pianga', were performed as encores at the Bergen Festival concert and were not part of Farinelli's original repertoire.
Historical Context
The practice of male castration for musical purposes began in the late 16th century, initially for church choirs to replace boys' voices and women, who were not allowed to sing.
Performer Biography
Les Talens Lyriques, the ensemble on this recording, was founded twenty-five years ago by harpsichordist and conductor Christophe Rousset.
