What is the musical term for a male singer who was castrated before puberty to preserve his high voice?
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Castrato
This practice was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries because it combined the high range of a child with the lung power of an adult male. The most famous castrato, Farinelli, was a superstar of his time, possessing a vocal range and power that modern singers find almost impossible to replicate.
Also asked as:
- What term describes the 17th and 18th-century male singers who retained a high vocal range due to a pre-pubescent surgical procedure?