Farinelli

Farinelli, formerly Carlo Maria Broschi, was one of the most famous Italian "castrati" singers. He had starting his career in the early 18th century. Born in 1705 Farinelli belonged to a family of musicians and composers. Castrati were specifically known for their unique voice, which, because of the surgery performed on them, did not change with puberty. Young boys were castrated in order to preserve their voice into adulthood. Farinelli began his journey to become a well known castrati in the 1720s, making multiple appearances in Europe, London and Spain. After just a few performances in Europe, Farinelli's fame began to increase at a rapid rate. When arriving in Vienna in 1731 Farinelli was greeted by the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles VI. In his old age Farinelli not only sang but began to play the viola, allowing him to compose songs. Farinelli passed away in 1782 from a disease typically found in post-menopausal women. In his will he had asked to be buried in the mantle of the order of Calatrava.