Castrato opera singer. He achieved near mythical status in his own lifetime, and he is often called the greatest castrato ever. Carlo Broschi was born to a family of lesser nobility in Andrea, Naples. He had one brother, Riccardo, a composer who wrote much of Carlo's music. He was castrated at age 7 or 8, and began studying under Nicola Porpora, the famous teacher of the castrati. He was the prodigy of the Farina brothers, and in accordance with tradition at the time, adopted the name Farinelli. Farinelli quickly became the toast of Italy, then toured Europe, performing for royalty and earning the title "The Singer of Kings". His shows earned him exorbitant gifts from admirers and unheard-of high fees. Spain's King Philip V, having long suffered from depression, was so taken by Farinelli's voice that he believed it cured him. Farinelli gave up public performances at the age of 32, at the peak of his career, to become a courtier in Philip's household. Before long he was Private Councilor to the king, reorganized the Madrid Opera, and in 1750 was knighted in the order of Calatrava. With the accession of Charles III in 1759, Farinelli was given a very generous pension and asked to leave Spain. He returned to Italy and settled in Bologna, where his kindness and generosity became well known. He helped families in need and formed an institute to organize concerts, the proceeds going to orphans. He received important guests such as Mozart, Gluck, and Emperor Joseph II, and it is said he never sang unless he was expressly asked. He bestowed all of his belongings on his nephews and servants and died at the age of 80. As per his wishes, he was buried on a hillside in Bologna.
Castrato opera singer. He achieved near mythical status in his own lifetime, and he is often called the greatest castrato ever. Carlo Broschi was born to a family of lesser nobility in Andrea, Naples. He had one brother, Riccardo, a composer who wrote much of Carlo's music. He was castrated at age 7 or 8, and began studying under Nicola Porpora, the famous teacher of the castrati. He was the prodigy of the Farina brothers, and in accordance with tradition at the time, adopted the name Farinelli. Farinelli quickly became the toast of Italy, then toured Europe, performing for royalty and earning the title "The Singer of Kings". His shows earned him exorbitant gifts from admirers and unheard-of high fees. Spain's King Philip V, having long suffered from depression, was so taken by Farinelli's voice that he believed it cured him. Farinelli gave up public performances at the age of 32, at the peak of his career, to become a courtier in Philip's household. Before long he was Private Councilor to the king, reorganized the Madrid Opera, and in 1750 was knighted in the order of Calatrava. With the accession of Charles III in 1759, Farinelli was given a very generous pension and asked to leave Spain. He returned to Italy and settled in Bologna, where his kindness and generosity became well known. He helped families in need and formed an institute to organize concerts, the proceeds going to orphans. He received important guests such as Mozart, Gluck, and Emperor Joseph II, and it is said he never sang unless he was expressly asked. He bestowed all of his belongings on his nephews and servants and died at the age of 80. As per his wishes, he was buried on a hillside in Bologna.
Bio by: Kristen Conrad
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