FARINELLI IL CASTRATO (1995)

Cast

Plot

Today the average opera isn't over till the diva trills her high notes, but in the 18th Century the major stars were the male castrati, the greatest of which was Farinelli, whose life is stylishly realised in this magnificient biopic. Farinelli, with his brother Riccardo, toured the Royal Courts of Europe performing and sharing the riches of high society, but their carefree existence was shattered after Farinelli's exile. Lavish sets and costumes make a colourful impression, but it's the vocal and authentic instrumental performances that are the key to the movie, the castrato voice was created in the celebrated musical research institute, IRCAM in Paris, by a synthesis of soprano and countertenor voices.