Castrato singers

Castrato singers were male vocalists who were castrated before puberty to preserve their high (soprano or mezzo-soprano) vocal range into adulthood. This practice, primarily during the 16th to 18th centuries in Europe, allowed these singers to combine the lung capacity and vocal power of an adult male with the vocal agility and pitch of a child. Castrati were highly valued in Baroque opera and sacred music for their unique sound. Although their use declined in the 19th century due to changing musical tastes and ethical concerns, they remain historically significant for their distinctive contribution to Western classical music.