Of course none of our contemporary singers can sing like Farinelli. Nobody has his vocal range (over 4 octaves) and a massive lung capacity to produce 250 notes in a single breath. Faced with this problem, producers of this movie used both soprano and countertenor voices to blend into a single voice. The process is called sound morphing and it essentially works like a graphical morphing. Ewa Mallas-Godlewska (soprano) and Derek Lee Ragin (countertenor) were chosen for the similarity of their timbres. A further discussion of this intriguing process can be found at Sony Online. Regrettably, the liner notes are minuscule and no lyrics are provided for this otherwise fine CD.

*If you ever wonder about the odd head gear on the cover picture, it meant to be a nightingale. In those days, castrato voice is often compared to that of male nightingale and many nightingale (usignuolo) arias were written for them.

The story of this movie is loosely based on the historical account for the famous castrato, Farinelli. His real name was Carlo Broschi and a composer Riccardo Broschi was his elder brother. A monograph written in German by Hubert Ortkemper, "Engel wider Willen. Die Welt der Kastraten. Eine andere Operngeschichte" gives an in-depth analysis for the custom of castration in 18th century Italy. Translation of this book is available in Japanese but not in English. Hubert Ortkemper also wrote a booklet for Capriccio's "Die Welt der Kastraten" (see below). Amazon.de

Aris Christofellis is a Greek sopranist who performs not only Baroque repertoire but also some contemporary pieces specifically written for him. This CD comes with a substantial booklet including lyrics and translation. Some may find his timbre a little too metallic but his intonation is perfect. I always associate his voice with a crystal clear diamond. It may be cold to touch but supremely beautiful. For more information about Christofellis, please see Male Soprano websiteand The Aris Christofellis Voice Page.

Angelo Manzotti is a Italian sopranist who appears many Baroque opera as well as liturgical music. His voice quality is very different from that of Christofellis. His intonation may not as precise as Christofellis's, but his voice has more warmth and a vivacious quality. For one thing, this CD lacks lyrics for arias not to mention their translation. It could be a little inconvenience for those sing-along opera buffs. Additional information about Manzotti can be found at Male Soprano website and Angelo Manzotti official site.

Arno Raunig is an Austrian sopranist. He sounds more ike boy alto than adult male voice to my ear. As of June 2002, this CD can be ordered online from the Disc Importers Music in England (catalogue No. CAFFA CD 002). No lyrics are provided in the booklet. Additional information about Raunig can be found at Male Soprano website.

This is the only "Farinelli" CD sung by a female mezzo in my collection. Although her voice is more on the feminine side rather than masculine, an American mezzo, Vivica Genaux is an excellent singer. Her intonation is impeccable and her coloratura breathtaking. I usually do not care for a female mezzo singing castrato arias, but this CD is a happy exception. It must be pointed out that it was Jacobs who created the wonderful ornamentation for Genaux. In Farinelli's time, it was a singer's job to improvise an elaborate ornamentation for the stage. Otherwise, dacapo arias would be too monotonous. As an added bonus, a substantial booklet including lyrics and translation is handsomely integrated into the CD case. Vivica Genaux site

Alain Zaepffel is a French countertenor. His vocal range is slightly on the narrow side, but his timbre is very sweet and pretty... and he's got a French accent ;-). Guadagni (1729-1792) was an alto castrato who created role of Orfeo in Gluck's opera "Orfeo ed Euridice". This CD was recorded in 1987 and reissued in 1996 after Farinelli vogue. The booklet provides no lyrics. It is now issued as a part of "Accord Baroque" series with a different cover picture (as of June 2002, it is only available in France). Amazon.fr.

This CD was recorded and released pre-Farinelli vogue and reissued later with the same content but a different track order. No lyrics are provided. For more info see Male Soprano website. As of June 2002, this CD can be ordered online from the Disc Importers Music in England.

This is a compilation from German label, Capriccio. The selection is rather heavy on German side for both composers and performers, but it includes many lesser known yet good countertenors. The accompanying informative booklet is written by Hubert Ortkemper, who is also an author of the monograph about castrato (see above Farinelli DVD). No lyrics are provided.

Obviously drawing from a single label limits the content of this CD to less singers and less composers. It is not a desirable feature for a compilation album, which is, after all, should be a sampler for as many singers/composerd as possible. This is not my first choice.

This CD is a collection of the arias written for castrati, who were the subject of Mozart's family correspondence. My favourite one is W.A. Mozart 's letter declining a request to have Ceccarelli as a house guest: "In regard to Ceccarelli, it is quite impossible even for a single night; for I have only one room, which is not large and is so crammed already with my wardrobe, table and clavier that really I do not know where I could put another bed --- and as for sleeping in one bed --- that I shall only do with my future wife." (W.A. Mozart - Vienna, 17 November 1781). The accompanying booklet itself makes an interesting reading material. What makes it even more impressive is that Christofellis himself penned this scholarly writing (in French). Equally good English and German translation is provided as well as complete lyrics. For more info see Male Soprano website and The Aris Christofellis Voice Page.

For this CD, Manzotti selected Handel's operatic arias from "Rinaldo", "Rodelinda", "Partenope", "Ariodante", "Aci e Galatea" and "Arianna in Creta". I like the cover picture more than anything else where Manzotti fashions costume of 18th C castrato and makeup to go with it :-). This CD might be worthwhile to get just for the sake of a novelty cover photo. (And who said one should not judge a book by the cover?) Additional information about Manzotti can be found at Male Soprano website and Angelo Manzotti official site.