Farinelli, born Carlo Maria Michelangelo Nicola Broschi on January 24, 1705, in Andria, in what was then the Kingdom of Naples, is one of the most legendary figures in the history of opera. Known for his extraordinary vocal abilities, Farinelli became one of the most famous castrati singers of the 18th century, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. His life, filled with triumphs, challenges, and unparalleled fame, serves as a captivating tale of talent, ambition, and the complexities of artistic success.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Carlo Broschi was born into a well-to-do family, part of the local “noblesse de robe.” His father, Salvatore Broschi, was a feudal administrator who recognized his son’s musical talent early on and encouraged him to pursue a career in singing. Farinelli’s older brother, Riccardo Broschi, was a composer, and the two brothers would later collaborate closely, with Riccardo composing several pieces that showcased Farinelli’s vocal prowess.
At a young age, Farinelli was castrated—an operation that was not uncommon for promising young male singers in the Baroque period. The procedure was intended to preserve his high-pitched voice, preventing it from deepening with puberty. The decision, likely made by his brother Riccardo following their father’s death, was a pivotal moment that would define Carlo’s future and cement his place in the annals of music history.
After the operation, Carlo adopted the stage name “Farinelli,” a moniker derived from the Farina family of Naples, who supported him during his musical education. The name Farinelli soon became synonymous with vocal excellence, as Carlo’s natural talent was honed under the tutelage of Niccolò Porpora, one of the most renowned singing teachers of the time.
Rise to Fame: Farinelli’s Early Career
Farinelli’s debut came at the age of 15, when he performed in the serenata “Angelica e Medoro” in Naples. His performance was met with acclaim, setting the stage for a career that would take him to the heights of fame. In the following years, Farinelli continued to perform in Naples, Rome, and other major cities across Italy, gaining recognition for his extraordinary vocal range, which spanned three octaves, and his ability to sing both extremely high and low notes with ease.
By the early 1720s, Farinelli was already a celebrated figure in the opera world. He performed in a variety of productions, including works by Porpora and Leonardo Vinci, and quickly became known for his ability to convey deep emotion through his singing. His rivalry with fellow castrato Antonio Maria Bernacchi, which began in Bologna in 1727, further fueled his fame. Despite the competitive nature of their relationship, Bernacchi, who was older and more experienced, recognized Farinelli’s talent and even offered him guidance.
Farinelli’s International Success
In 1730, Farinelli was invited to join the Accademia Filarmonica di Bologna, an honor that signaled his growing influence in the world of music. Four years later, he made his debut in London, performing at the Lincoln’s Inn Fields Theatre as part of the Opera of the Nobility, a company directed by Porpora. Farinelli’s time in London was marked by both success and controversy. His performances were lauded by audiences, and he earned substantial sums of money, reportedly more than 5,000 pounds during his stay.
However, his time in England was also marked by rivalry with the opera company led by the famous composer George Frideric Handel, who was supported by King George II. The tension between the two factions ultimately led Farinelli to leave England in 1737, despite his popularity.
Farinelli in Spain: A New Chapter
After leaving England, Farinelli was invited to Spain by Queen Elisabeth Farnese, wife of King Philip V. The King, suffering from neurasthenia, had withdrawn from public life, and it was hoped that Farinelli’s singing could help lift his spirits. The legend goes that Farinelli’s voice had a profound effect on the King, who insisted that the singer remain in Spain. For nearly two decades, Farinelli performed the same eight or nine arias nightly for the King, most notably “Pallido il sole” from Johann Adolf Hasse’s Artaserse.
During his time in Spain, Farinelli became a trusted member of the royal household, earning a salary of 2,000 ducats and receiving numerous honors, including being made a Knight of the Order of Calatrava. His influence extended beyond the royal court; he was involved in various projects, such as the reclamation of the Tagus River banks and the establishment of an Italian opera house in Madrid.
Farinelli’s collaboration with the Neapolitan composer Domenico Scarlatti during this period further enriched his musical legacy. However, his time in Spain came to an abrupt end in 1759 when King Charles III ascended the throne and decided that Farinelli’s influence at court was excessive. The singer was dismissed from his position and returned to Italy.
Later Years and Legacy
After his dismissal from the Spanish court, Farinelli retired to Bologna, where he lived in a grand villa outside Porta Lame. Despite his retirement, Farinelli continued to be a significant figure in the cultural life of the time. He received visits from notable personalities, including Emperor Joseph II of Austria and the young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
However, his later years were also marked by loneliness and a sense of isolation. Farinelli’s voice, once the source of his fame and fortune, had begun to fade, and he no longer performed publicly. He died on September 16, 1782, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy that would be remembered for centuries.
Farinelli’s life story was later immortalized in the 1994 film “Farinelli – Voce regina,” directed by Gérard Corbiau and starring Stefano Dionisi as the legendary singer. The film brought Farinelli’s story to a new generation, highlighting both his artistic achievements and the personal sacrifices he made for his craft.
The Impact and Influence of Farinelli
Farinelli’s influence on the world of opera cannot be overstated. His extraordinary vocal abilities and his dedication to his art set new standards for performers of his time. He was not only a singer but also a musician and composer, contributing to the development of opera as a form of entertainment and as an art form.
Farinelli’s success also highlighted the complex and often controversial practice of castration in the pursuit of vocal excellence. The castrati were a unique phenomenon in the history of music, and Farinelli’s fame brought attention to both the extraordinary talents and the personal costs associated with this practice. His life and career serve as a reminder of the lengths to which individuals went to achieve greatness in the arts, as well as the societal norms and expectations that shaped their lives.
Farinelli’s Lasting Legacy in Music and Culture
Farinelli’s legacy extends beyond his lifetime, influencing not only the world of opera but also popular culture. His life has been the subject of numerous books, films, and scholarly studies, all of which explore the nuances of his career and the broader implications of his status as a castrato.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the castrati and their role in the history of music. Farinelli, as one of the most famous castrati, has been at the center of this renewed interest. His story has been reexamined through the lens of modern sensibilities, offering new insights into the complexities of his life and career.
The preservation of Farinelli’s legacy is also evident in the continued performance of the operas and arias he made famous. Modern countertenors and sopranists often look to Farinelli as a model for their own performances, striving to emulate the vocal qualities that made him a legend.
Conclusion
Farinelli’s life is a story of extraordinary talent, immense fame, and the complexities of artistic achievement. From his early beginnings in the Kingdom of Naples to his rise as one of the most celebrated singers in Europe, Farinelli’s journey is a testament to the power of music and the human voice. His legacy continues to resonate in the world of opera and beyond, reminding us of the enduring impact of his contributions to the arts.
As we reflect on Farinelli’s life, we are reminded of the ways in which art and culture are shaped by individuals who push the boundaries of what is possible. Farinelli’s story is one of triumph and tragedy, talent and sacrifice, and ultimately, the pursuit of excellence in the face of extraordinary challenges. His name remains synonymous with the highest levels of artistic achievement, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
