Alessandro Moreschi Singer, castrato Date of Birth: 11.11.1858 Country: Italy

1. Alessandro Moreschi: A Biography
2. Early Life and Career
3. Success as a Soprano
4. Joining the Sistine Chapel Choir
5. Contributions and Legacy
6. Later Life and Death

Alessandro Moreschi: A Biography

Alessandro Moreschi was a renowned singer and the most famous castrato of the late 19th century. He was the only castrato of the classical bel canto tradition whose voice was recorded on artificial media.

Early Life and Career

Alessandro Moreschi was born into a Roman Catholic family in the town of Monte Compatri. The circumstances surrounding his castration remain shrouded in mystery. Some sources suggest that Alessandro had a congenital hernia that could only be treated through the radical method of castration. Others claim that he underwent the procedure as part of the customary training for young male singers. It is worth noting that by 1870, castration of young singers was officially prohibited, making it extremely difficult for Alessandro to find a suitable vocal instructor.

During his childhood, Alessandro began taking singing lessons and performed in a chapel near his hometown. His talent caught the attention of Nazareno Rosati, a former member of the Sistine Chapel Choir who was scouting for talented boys across the country. In 1870, Alessandro moved to Rome and enrolled in the School of San Salvatore. He became a student of Gaetano Capocci, the choir master of the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran.

Success as a Soprano

In 1873, at the age of 15, Alessandro became the first soprano of the basilica choir. He was soon invited to join a group of singers led by Capocci, who performed for the Roman aristocracy in local salons. Alessandro's performances were highly acclaimed, drawing large audiences. In 1883, Capocci launched a special project for Alessandro, staging the first Italian performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's oratorio "Christus am Ölberge" ("Christ on the Mount of Olives"). Alessandro's portrayal of a seraphim in the oratorio earned him the nickname "The Roman Angel."

Joining the Sistine Chapel Choir

After gaining recognition as a talented performer, Alessandro caught the attention of the Sistine Chapel Choir. Following an audition, he became the first soprano of the choir and remained in that position for 30 years. The hierarchy within the Sistine Chapel Choir was highly competitive, providing limited opportunities for career advancement. In 1886, when the senior castrato Giovanni Cesari retired, Alessandro assumed the role of choir conductor. In 1891, he was appointed as the choir's general secretary and later became its temporary director.

Contributions and Legacy

During his tenure, Alessandro was responsible for the administrative aspects of the choir, including scheduling rehearsals, managing the singers, and selecting repertoire. It was during his leadership that significant changes occurred within the choir and Catholic church music in general. The religious landscape was evolving, influenced by the German Reformation movement, even in Rome.

In the spring of 1902, Alessandro made his first phonograph recording at the request of the English company "Gramophone & Typewriter Company of London." He made further recordings in 1904, and a total of 17 recordings have survived to this day.

In 1903, Pope Pius X introduced a series of new laws for the church, one of which mandated the inclusion of young boys in soprano and contralto positions in church choirs. This legislation effectively forced the remaining castrati, including Alessandro, into premature retirement.

Later Life and Death

Alessandro Moreschi passed away on April 21, 1922, reportedly from pneumonia. His remarkable talent and contributions to the world of music have solidified his place as one of the most significant figures in the history of castrato singers.