Castrati

Castrati were male singers castrated before puberty to preserve their high, operatic voices. This practice, mainly popular from the 16th to 18th centuries, aimed to maintain the vocal qualities of boys' voices while allowing them to develop the lung capacity and physical strength of adults. The resulting singers had a unique combination of the advanced vocal range of a child and the power and endurance of an adult, making them highly sought after in Baroque and early classical music. The practice declined in the 19th century due to changing attitudes and ethical concerns.