How to Pronounce "castrati"
word
kæˈstreɪti
ka-STRAY-tee
kɑːstɹˈɑːtəʊ
kah-stRAH-toh
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.
IPA Transcription
American English
kæˈstreɪti
British English
kɑːstɹˈɑːtəʊ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
ka-STRAY-tee
UK
kah-stRAH-toh
Listen in Context
Some famous operas featured castrati in leading roles.
A castrati could sing much higher than most men.
The use of castrati ended in the 19th century.
In Baroque music, the unique voices of the castrati were in high demand.