Castrati Meaning in English
word · lemma: castrato
Definition
Castrati were male singers in Europe, especially during the 17th and 18th centuries, who were castrated before puberty to keep their voices high and powerful. They were famous for singing important roles in opera and church music.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly historical and specific to Western classical music, especially Italian opera. The plural is 'castrati', singular 'castrato'. The topic is sensitive due to the procedure's nature. Rare in modern discussion except in music history or documentaries.
Example Sentences
Some famous operas featured castrati in leading roles.
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A castrati could sing much higher than most men.
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The use of castrati ended in the 19th century.
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In Baroque music, the unique voices of the castrati were in high demand.
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Many people today are surprised to learn about the history of castrati.
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Some old recordings allow us to hear the last surviving castrati.
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