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Castrati singers--all for fame
Martin Hatzinger1, Dominick Vöge, Matthias Stastny
1Department of Urology, Markus Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany. martin.hatzinger@fdk.info
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
|July 14, 2012
Summary
Castration in the baroque era created castrati singers with unique voices but often resulted in feminized physical development and lack of sex drive. The practice ended in the early 20th century.
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Endocrinology
- Musicology
Background:
- The baroque era's emphasis on sensual pleasure led to the practice of castration for creating castrati singers with supernatural voices.
- Famous castrati like Farinelli and Caffarelli achieved superstardom, captivating audiences despite the severe personal cost.
Observation:
- Castration's effects on physical development were highly variable, depending significantly on the age of the operation.
- Early castration (before age 10) often resulted in feminized features, including undeveloped secondary sexual characteristics and reduced libido.
Findings:
- The review examines the history of castrati singers, their sexuality, and the physical consequences of castration.
- Literature search and comparison with current endocrine data reveal the erratic physical outcomes of pre-pubertal castration.
Implications:
- The practice of castration for vocal performance peaked in the 18th century and was eventually banned.
- The retirement of the last castrato, Alessandro Moreschi, in 1912 marked the end of this significant, albeit controversial, chapter in music history.
