After the ball is over
[Castrati] “were notorious for their sexual adventures [and] presumably able to overcome liabilities like an underdeveloped penis and variable erectile function.” So, really, all things considered, maybe castration wasn’t so bad after all. [Failure Magazine]
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).
Expensive is right! But it looks interesting, and would provide a researched take on the subject (as opposed to … well, YOU know).
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.
Not to mention diagrams of the instruments used in the castration. (WTF?)
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.
No E, I’ll check out that booklet tonight. I’ve been afraid of the gruesome details, thus far.
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.
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.
Thanks, Peter. I’ve reserved one. The other is for in-library use only …
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.
For a penny, I’d try a lot of things.
Considering the gist of the thread, anything that smacks of “Finishing” or “Alterations” seems a bit intimidating.
. . . 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.
Parterre: Where the Queens were once Kings.
Speaking of castrations – who cut the Comments Feed?