Castrato
/kæˈstrɑːtoʊ/noun
A male singer castrated before puberty to maintain a high singing voice.
Historically, renowned castrati were celebrated for their unique vocal abilities.
Often appears as...
- famous castrati
- castrato singers
Usage tips
Neutral
general, historical, musical
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Significance
Understanding the history of music can make the concept of a castrato more relatable.
Many famous castrati, like Farinelli, achieved fame for their extraordinary talent.
Pro Tip 2/3Ethical Considerations
The practice raises serious ethical questions about bodily autonomy and the treatment of performers.
Debates around castrati often highlight the exploitation of young boys for artistic gain.
Pro Tip 3/3Artistic Context
In operatic contexts, the role of the castrato was pivotal, often leading to notable performances.
Castrato roles are typically written for powerful, high-pitched vocalists.
Compare with
sopranoaltotenormezzobaritone
Never forget "Castrato"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension