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Baldassare FerriItalian castrato singer
Date of Birth: 09.12.1610
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Biography of Baldassare Ferri
- Service to King Władysław IV and Queen Christina
- Service to Emperor Ferdinand III
- Talent and Legacy
Biography of Baldassare Ferri
Early Life and CareerBaldassare Ferri, an Italian castrato singer renowned for his unique male soprano voice, is considered one of the most remarkable singers to have ever lived. Little is known about Ferri's childhood, but he was born on December 9, 1610, in Perugia. After his early castration, he sang in the San Lorenzo Cathedral in his hometown of Perugia. At the age of eleven, he became a singer for Cardinal Fabio Crescenzo in Orvieto, a historic town in central Italy. When the cardinal moved from Orvieto to Rome, he took Ferri with him. The young boy had the opportunity to study under the composer Vincenzo Ugolini, the maestro of the Capella Giulia and one of the finest representatives of the Roman musical school.
Service to King Władysław IV and Queen Christina
In 1625, Ferri's singing caught the attention of Prince Władysław IV Vasa of Poland, the future king, who was visiting Rome at the time. The prince was so impressed by the young castrato's performance that he immediately took him into his service. From then until 1655, Ferri lived in Warsaw, performing at the royal court. King Sigismund III Vasa, Władysław's father, not only generously rewarded the singer but also allowed him to enjoy frequent holidays, during which Ferri toured in many major cities across Europe. However, this prosperous period came to an end with the Polish-Swedish war, known as the Swedish Deluge, in 1654. Ferri visited Queen Christina of Sweden's court shortly before the Swedish invasion of Polish lands, but, of course, there could be no performances at the palace of this crowned patroness of the arts and eloquence. However, Queen Christina soon abdicated the Swedish throne and ceased to be a queen.
Service to Emperor Ferdinand III
Ferri received numerous generous rewards from the Polish royal family and nobility in all the countries where he performed, and he became not only one of the most famous singers of his time but also a very prosperous man. He could choose where to go, and in 1655, he traveled to Vienna. On October 1, Ferri joined the orchestra of Emperor Ferdinand III, earning a salary of 110 florins. Emperor Ferdinand III was also a great lover of the arts and a generous patron who took great pride in having Baldassare Ferri sing at his court. He held the singer's skill in high regard, and although the emperor passed away in 1657, his successor Leopold I continued to shower the Italian artist with royal favors. Leopold even granted Ferri a noble title, and a portrait of the singer with the inscription "Baldassare Ferri - king of musicians" hung in the emperor's private chambers. In Vienna, Ferri performed in numerous new operas, which the Baroque era generously provided. Around 1675, the aging artist finally returned to his hometown. He passed away in the second half of 1680, on either September 10 or November 18, according to different sources. In any case, he left behind an impressive fortune of 600,000 ecus, which he bequeathed to charitable causes.
Talent and Legacy
According to contemporary accounts, Baldassare Ferri possessed a pleasant appearance and excellent manners. He had an incredibly high soprano voice with a beautifully rich tone, a vast breath capacity, an impeccable technique and diction, and perfect intonation. He effortlessly mastered complex coloratura passages, impressing others with his seemingly effortless performances. Furthermore, he had an extraordinary acting talent.
