Philippe Jaroussky - Carestini: Story of a Castrato

Philippe Jaroussky - Carestini: Story of a Castrato Le Concert d’Astrée/ Emmanuelle Haïm Album available on: This album by Philippe Jaroussky could also be called, Carestini, il castrato“, in the fashion of the award winning film on contemporary and rival castrato Farinelli. Indeed, the programme pays a tribute to the famous 18th century Italian castrato (circa 1705 — circa 1759) for whom Handel composed Arianna in Creta. Carestinis qualities were thus summarised at the time: His voice was at first a beautiful and clear soprano, which afterwards changed into the fullest, finest and deepest counter-tenor that has perhaps ever been heard Carestinis person was tall, beautiful and majestic. It was the opinion of Haase, as well as of many other eminent professors, that whoever had not heard Carestini was unacquainted with the most perfect style of singing.“ Who else but Philippe Jaroussky could today brin