Alessandro Moreschi remains the only castrato singer to document his vocal artistry through solo recordings. Born in 1858 in Monte Compatri, he emerged from the waning tradition of the Papal States to serve as the First Soprano in the Sistine Chapel Choir for three decades, capturing a unique sound that bridged the gap between historical ecclesiastical practice and the dawn of modern audio technology.
Early Development and Appointments
Moreschi moved to Rome around 1870 to study at the Scuola di San Salvatore in Lauro under Gaetano Capocci. His early professional path began in 1873 when he secured the position of First Soprano at the Papal basilica of St John Lateran. During this time, he frequented Roman social circles, performing operatic arias in private salons. In 1883, he gained significant recognition as l'Angelo di Roma following a performance of Beethoven’s Christus am Ölberge, which led to his appointment as First Soprano of the Sistine Chapel Choir.
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Under the direction of Domenico Mustafà, Moreschi served as the primary soloist responsible for performing the complex Miserere by Gregorio Allegri. His responsibilities within the choir expanded over the years; he acted as Direttore dei concertisti, segretario puntatore, and maestro pro tempore. Despite his duties, he occasionally performed outside the Vatican, notably singing at the 1900 funeral of King Umberto I at the request of the Italian royal family.
Recordings and the Shift in Church Policy
In 1902 and 1904, Moreschi recorded seventeen tracks for the Gramophone & Typewriter Company of London. His career was impacted by the rise of Cecilianism, a movement favoring Gregorian chant over traditional operatic styles in church music. This culminated in 1903 when Pope Pius X issued the motu proprio Tra le sollecitudini, which mandated the replacement of adult male sopranos with young boys. Moreschi remained with the Sistine choir until 1913 and briefly sang with the Cappella Giulia before retiring.
Fast facts
- Born: 1858, Monte Compatri
- Died: 1922, Lugones
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Italy
- Primary Role: First Soprano, Sistine Chapel Choir
- Recording Years: 1902 and 1904
- Burial Site: Campo Verano
Questions readers ask
Was Moreschi the last of the castrati?
He is the only known castrato to have made solo recordings, serving as a primary link between that historical vocal tradition and the twentieth century.
Why did his career in the choir end?
Pope Pius X promulgated the Tra le sollecitudini in 1903, which directed that church soprano parts be performed by boys, leading to the eventual retirement of the remaining castrati.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: opera and church music
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