Farinelli

Carlo Broschi (1705–1782), better known by his stage name Farinelli, was an Italian opera singer widely regarded as one of the greatest castrato singers in history. Born in Bologna, he began his musical training at an early age and was castrated to preserve his high vocal range. He made his professional debut in 1716 in Naples and quickly gained fame for his extraordinary voice and expressive singing. Farinelli performed in major opera houses across Italy, as well as in London and Portugal, where he was particularly celebrated. His career spanned several decades, during which he became a favorite of European royalty, including King Philip V of Spain and Queen Maria Barbara of Spain. Farinelli retired from the stage in the 1750s and spent his later years in Lisbon, where he lived in relative seclusion. His legacy as a performer remains influential in the history of opera.