Castrato: The Voice of an Angel, But At What Cost?

In the performing arts, many have chosen to dedicate their lives to their art. Everyone who wants to become a professional artist knows they must often sacrifice a “normal childhood.” Many children do this willingly, but others are forced by their parents.

In western?Europe?during the 16th through the 18th centuries, some young boys were forced to commit their life to the art of singing. The boys had to sacrifice more than just childhood.

These boys and men became revered by the?Catholic church?and the general public, but at what cost? The history of the castrati, singers of the Baroque and Classical periods shows how far they had to go to achieve fame.