Caffarelli Italian opera singer, castrato Date of Birth: 12.04.1710 Country: Italy

Biography of Caffarelli

Gaetano Majorano, better known as Caffarelli, was an Italian opera singer and castrato. He was born in 1710 in Bitonto, Italy, into a peasant family. Despite his early interest in music, his father discouraged him from pursuing a career in music and instead pushed him towards working on the land. However, a renowned Italian musician and composer named Domenico Caffaro noticed Gaetano's talent and convinced his parents to allow him to pursue his musical abilities.

In order to truly excel in the music industry, Gaetano had to undergo the procedure of castration. His parents reluctantly agreed, and soon Gaetano began serious vocal training. His exceptional talent and remarkable achievements caught the attention of his teacher, Nicola Porpora, who was one of the most renowned music teachers of the time. It is worth mentioning that another famous castrato, Farinelli, was also one of Porpora's students.

In 1726, Caffarelli made his debut in Rome, playing a female role in the opera 'Valdemaro,' as many castrati did early in their careers. His powerful talent and enchanting mezzo-soprano voice quickly gained him fame throughout Europe, with crowds of enthusiastic listeners flocking to theaters in Venice, Turin, Milan, and Florence to hear him perform.

Caffarelli traveled extensively throughout Europe, returning to Rome as a triumphant performer. However, his time in London did not go as smoothly due to the lingering popularity of Farinelli's voice. Nevertheless, Caffarelli's voice was often referred to as "angelic," and it became clear that he would leave his mark as one of the most significant mezzo-sopranos in Italy.

He achieved resounding success in Madrid in 1739, Vienna in 1749, Versailles in 1753, and Lisbon in 1755. Caffarelli was even invited to France by Louis XV himself. However, a duel marred his success in France, leading to his sudden fall from favor in the country. He left France after only a year, having fallen out of grace.

From 1734 onwards, Caffarelli worked at the Royal Chapel in Naples and spent over 20 years on the stage of the Teatro di San Carlo. He performed leading roles in operas by Baldassarre Galuppi, Pergolesi, Leo, and other composers. It is known that Handel composed music specifically for him.

Caffarelli was known to have a difficult temperament. His moods were constantly changing, and he was capricious and unpredictable, with his temperament sometimes leading to outbursts of rage or bursts of enthusiasm. This behavior extended both on and off the stage. Interestingly, Caffarelli seemed to have only one disagreement with Handel, who also had a reputation for being temperamental. Perhaps they were able to get along because the composer paid the singer an exorbitant amount of money.

As time went on, Caffarelli's sharp edges softened, and he became much gentler and calmer in the later years of his life. It is known that he made significant charitable donations. In 1755, he retired from the opera stage, being considered the second-greatest mezzo-soprano after the legendary Farinelli.

Gaetano Majorano, known as Caffarelli, passed away on January 31, 1783, in Naples.