Handel's opera Rinaldo was successfully premiered in London in 1711, featuring the Neapolitan castrato Nicolini in the title role.
Composition History
The castrato Senesino, whose real name was Francesco Bernardi, had 17 roles written for him by Handel, including Giulio Cesare and Bertarido in Rodelinda.
Performer Biography
Franco Fagioli, the countertenor on this album, considers Handel a "must for every countertenor" and has sung many of his operas onstage.
Composer Biography
Handel composed 42 operas, tailoring many arias for leading Italian castratos such as Nicolini, Senesino, Caffarelli, and Carestini.
Composer Biography
George Frideric Handel, the composer, spent years in Italy, where he found his voice as an operatic composer with Agrippina in 1709.
Instruments
Zefira Valova, the concertmaster, plays a violin made by Lorenzo and Tomaso Carcassi in 1760, provided by the Jumpstart Jr. Foundation.
Historical Context
During the Baroque Age, castratos were the most feted stars in Italian opera, regarded as the epitome of everlasting youth.
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Dualità
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Scarlatti: San Filippo Neri
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