parterre box

36 comments

• Unfaithful Zerbinetta says:

  http://www.amazon.com/Portrait-Castrato-Patronage-Perspectives-Criticism/dp/0521885213/

  I highly recommend this book if you want to know more about these guys. Unfortunately it is very expensive (I got it from my library).

  on June 23, 2010 at 4:20 PM
  • CruzSF says:

    Expensive is right! But it looks interesting, and would provide a researched take on the subject (as opposed to … well, YOU know).

    on June 23, 2010 at 4:46 PM
    • No Expert says:

      Howdy CruzSF, the deluxe CD of Sacrificium includes a neat booklet with commentary on the music and the institution of castration with a glossary of terms and prominent individuals. Plus Bartoli gives an intelligent interview about the subject on the DVD.

      on June 23, 2010 at 5:02 PM
      • kashania says:

        Not to mention diagrams of the instruments used in the castration. (WTF?)

        on June 23, 2010 at 5:06 PM
      • CruzSF says:

        Hi No E! I have that booklet, but haven’t read it closely. I was more interested in the castrati sound than in the acquisition of their instruments. Until this article posting by La C.

        on June 23, 2010 at 5:15 PM
      • CruzSF says:

        No E, I’ll check out that booklet tonight. I’ve been afraid of the gruesome details, thus far.

        on June 23, 2010 at 5:17 PM
  • CruzSF says:

    Meant to add: Thanks, Unfaithful Z.

    BTW, can anyone recommend a good, basic intro (book) to the Ring Cycle? Or are there so many decent ones that I can’t go wrong with pulling one off the shelf? TIA for your help.

    on June 23, 2010 at 4:48 PM
    • peter says:

      Cruz, a couple of classics that you can find at your local library:

      http://sflib1.sfpl.org:1082/record=b1070814
      http://sflib1.sfpl.org:1082/record=b1066513

      They’re probably out of print and quite expensive.

      on June 23, 2010 at 5:03 PM
      • CruzSF says:

        Thanks, Peter. I’ve reserved one. The other is for in-library use only …

        on June 23, 2010 at 5:21 PM
      • manou says:

        Cruz :

        http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/067059301X/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&qid=1277328254&sr=8-1&condition=used

        might be worth 1 cent?

        This is now officially the Cruz Finishing School.

        on June 23, 2010 at 5:26 PM
      • CruzSF says:

        For a penny, I’d try a lot of things.

        on June 23, 2010 at 5:31 PM
      • BETSY_ANN_BOBOLINK says:

        Considering the gist of the thread, anything that smacks of “Finishing” or “Alterations” seems a bit intimidating.

        on June 23, 2010 at 5:38 PM
• BETSY_ANN_BOBOLINK says:

  . . . on the other hand, Cruz, it could earn you a slot on “American Idol.” Breast implants. Castration. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.

  on June 23, 2010 at 5:41 PM
  • CruzSF says:

    Parterre: Where the Queens were once Kings.

    on June 23, 2010 at 5:48 PM
• manou says:

  Speaking of castrations – who cut the Comments Feed?

  on June 23, 2010 at 7:17 PM