CASTRATO Meaning and
Definition
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Castrato is a term that refers to a male singer who has undergone castration before reaching puberty in order to preserve their high prepubescent vocal range. This practice was particularly prevalent in the 16th to 18th centuries in Europe, mainly in Italy. The castrato's voice was highly sought after for its unique qualities, such as the ability to effortlessly reach and sustain high notes with power and clarity.
The castration procedure resulted in the retention of the child's high vocal range due to the absence of the hormonal changes that occur during puberty. These hormonal changes typically cause the vocal cords to grow and thicken, leading to a deepening voice.
Castrati enjoyed great popularity and were highly regarded in opera and sacred music during the time period. They often portrayed the roles of heroic male leads and were considered virtuosos due to their extraordinary vocal abilities. In addition to their vocal talent, castrati were also admired for their androgynous appearance, as they often retained youthful physical characteristics despite their maturity.
The practice of castrating young boys for musical purposes eventually declined in the 19th century as changes in musical tastes and the emergence of female opera singers took over the stage. Today, the castrato is an extinct voice type, preserved only through historical recordings and musical texts.
Common Misspellings for CASTRATO
- xastrato
- vastrato
- fastrato
- dastrato
- czstrato
- csstrato
- cwstrato
- cqstrato
- caatrato
- caztrato
- caxtrato
- cadtrato
- caetrato
- cawtrato
- casrrato
- casfrato
- casgrato
- casyrato
- cas6rato
Etymology of CASTRATO
The word "castrato" derives from the Italian term "castrato", which is the masculine form of "castrata", meaning "castrated". It is derived from the Latin word "castratus", a past participle of the verb "castrare", which means "to castrate". The term refers to a male singer who has undergone castration before puberty to preserve their high vocal range. Castrati were highly prized in baroque and classical music as they possessed a unique vocal quality and could sing soprano or alto parts.
Similar spelling words for CASTRATO
- castor,
- castruita,
- castries,
- castor oil,
- Cassia Tora,
- castrate,
- cast around,
- castration,
- Castrejon,
- Castrellon,
- castrated,
- cassiterite,
- castroism,
- caster,
- castrillo,
- castoroides,
- cacciatore,
- castro,
- Castorena.
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