Classical composers starting with m

Carlo Farinelli

Italian opera singer (soprano) - castrato
Date of Birth:
Country: Italy

Content:
  1. Biography of Carlo Farinelli
  2. Early Career and Success
  3. International Success and Royal Patronage
  4. The Spanish Court and Legacy
  5. Later Years and Legacy

Biography of Carlo Farinelli

Early Life and Training

Carlo Farinelli, born Carlo Broschi, was an Italian opera singer (soprano) and castrato.

Carlo brioschi farinelli biography of michael During this period he could really do no wrong. Tools Tools. The relationship between singer and monarchs was personally close: he and the queen sang duets together, and the king accompanied them on the harpsichord. Apparently intending to make only a brief visit to the Continent, Farinelli stopped at Paris on his way to Madrid , singing on 9 July at Versailles to King Louis XV , who gave him his portrait set in diamonds, and louis d'or.

He was born on January 24, , in Andria, Apulia. Unlike most young singers who were castrated due to their families' poverty, Carlo came from a noble family. His father, Salvatore Broschi, was the governor of the cities of Maratea and Chisterino and later a conductor in Andria. Carlo showed exceptional singing abilities from a young age and underwent castration at the age of seven to preserve the purity of his voice.

He adopted the stage name Farinelli, derived from the surname of the Farina brothers who supported him during his early years.

In Salvatore also took up the non-musical post of governor of the town of Maratea on the western coast of what is now Basilicata , and in that of Terlizzi some twenty miles south-east of Andria. All these appearances were greeted with huge public enthusiasm, and an almost legendary story arose that he had to perform an aria with trumpet obbligato, which evolved into a contest between singer and trumpeter. In the invention of free ornamentation in adagio he was very fertile. The Farinelli Study Centre Centro Studi Farinelli was opened in Bologna in , Major events and achievements in which it was involved have included:.

Carlo initially studied singing with his father and later at the Neapolitan conservatory "Sant'Onofrio" under the renowned musician and singing teacher Nicola Porpora, who had trained other famous singers such as Caffarelli, Porporino, and Montagnana.

Early Career and Success

At the age of fifteen, Farinelli made his debut in Naples in Porpora's opera "Angelica and Medoro." He gained widespread recognition for his performances at the Teatro "Aliberti" in Rome during the season, where he sang in operas by Porpora and Prevedi.

Farinelli impressed audiences with his vocal virtuosity and expressive singing style. He gained particular fame for his ability to sustain long phrases and navigate the three-octave range of his voice. His performances captivated both critics and audiences, establishing him as one of the greatest singers of his time.

International Success and Royal Patronage

In , Farinelli traveled to England, where he performed at the Royal Theatre.

He became a sensation and was hailed as a musical genius. Farinelli's vocal talents and virtuosic abilities garnered him immense popularity and the admiration of the English public.

Farinelli's last illuminations and his last operatic production were for the king's nameday in May Farinelli took charge of all spectacles and court entertainments. As producer and director of the court operatic events at the Buen Retiro palace in Madrid and at the royal seat at Aranjuez , Farinelli gradually extended his work to the creation of extraordinary illuminations and firework displays, once involving 60 thousand candles, both as part of the operas and as independent events, for instance on the king's name day. The text of this work was the first by the soon-to-be-famous Pietro Trapassi known as Metastasio , who became a lifelong friend of the singer.

His performances were met with overwhelming applause, and he received a substantial salary as well as generous rewards from admirers, including Prince of Wales and the Spanish ambassador. Farinelli's success continued when he traveled to France, where even the typically critical French audience was charmed by his singing.

The Spanish Court and Legacy

In , Farinelli was invited to Spain by the Spanish queen to help alleviate the depression and mental instability of King Philip V.

His singing had a profound impact on the king, who experienced significant improvement in his condition. Farinelli became an essential figure in the Spanish court and was appointed as the personal singer to the king and queen. He devoted his performances exclusively to the royal couple, singing four favorite arias each day. Although he did not perform publicly during this period, Farinelli's influence and power at the Spanish court were immense.

He later became the director of the royal theaters and introduced Italian opera to Spain, bringing renowned composers and singers to perform.

Later Years and Legacy

After the death of King Philip V, Farinelli continued to serve under the new king, Ferdinand VI. However, his duties became less demanding, allowing him to focus on his personal pursuits.

Biography of michael jackson Carlo showed exceptional singing abilities from a young age and underwent castration at the age of seven to preserve the purity of his voice. His exceptional vocal abilities, virtuosity, and expressive singing style continue to inspire and awe audiences to this day. Apparently intending to make only a brief visit to the Continent, Farinelli stopped at Paris on his way to Madrid , singing on 9 July at Versailles to King Louis XV , who gave him his portrait set in diamonds, and louis d'or. Farinelli Study Centre [ edit ].

He retired from public singing and lived a life of luxury in his lavish house near Bologna. Farinelli indulged in his love for arts and sciences and enjoyed playing the harpsichord and viola. He entertained distinguished guests and fellow artists, including Gluck, Haydn, Mozart, and the princes and princesses of Europe.

Carlo Farinelli passed away on September 16, , leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest singers of all time. His exceptional vocal abilities, virtuosity, and expressive singing style continue to inspire and awe audiences to this day.