Castrato (10 of 23)

Castrato

Very rapidly, public paying theatres opened in Venice, during Monteverdi's lifespan, and the process was completed from Orfeo, court opera, to the paying opera in Venice - from Orfeo to L'Incoronazione Di Poppea.
And already in Orfeo we have castrato.
Correct.
In the prologue of Orfeo there's a castrato, not a woman as it would be today.
Yes.
lo la Musica son Ch'ai dolci accenti So far tranquillo Ogni turbato core Et hor di nobil ira et hor d'amore Posso infiammar Le piu gelate menti...

By 100 years later, we have the operatic form, opera seria - literally, serious opera - completely developed, completely fixed, with long, showy arias and with recitative to tell the story.
The classic opera seria plot was drawn from myth, legend or history.
and the leading man, or primo uomo, whether king, warrior, hero or lover, was invariably sung by a castrato.
How silently, how slyly When once the scent is taken The huntsman tracks the spoor...
When once the scent is taken The huntsman tracks the spoor...
'I think the castrati satisfied this request after advice.
'All that form of art,' in all of its complements, is highly artificial - incredible, unlikely stories.
Lofty sceneries, mechanisms like this, allowing sudden appearances or disappearances...
People flying through the air! People flying.
A factory of dreams, like cinema today.
Special effects - they were terribly clever at that.
Yes, and the castrati were the most artificial beings within this artifice.
Pack up your worries Lay down your head Venice will comfort you...
Excuse me, that's a girl! Don't you wish! That's a girl.
If I know anything, I know girls, and that's a girl.
You're on the turn!
There's hope for you yet!
Pretty practice.
Fine performance.
Thank you, sir.
I'm told you're from Bologna.
Just outside, sir.
I thought you reached those notes with perfect...
Oh, go on! You're a girl, aren't you?
Go on! You can tell me!
I'll take that as a compliment on my voice, sir.
Oh, but you're a girl!
I was inspected by the bishop.
Well, the bishop's been celibate 53 years.
He wouldn't know the difference!
I won't tell anyone.
Just admit it.
Perhaps you find me attractive, sir.