Origins & Early Life

Carlo Maria Michelangelo Nicola Broschi (Italian: [ˈkarlo ˈbrɔski]), who performed under the stage name Farinelli (Italian: [fariˈnɛlli]; 24 January 1705 – 16 September 1782), was an Italian castrato singer, composer, and musician. He was a soprano with a range from approximately F3-D6, and is regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of opera. Broschi was born in Andria (in what is now Apulia, Italy) into a family of musicians. As recorded in the baptismal register of the church of San Nicola in Andria, his father Salvatore Broschi was a composer and maestro di cappella of the Andria Cathedral, and his mother, Caterina Barrese, was a citizen of Naples.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The Duke of Andría, Fabrizio Carafa, a member of the House of Carafa, one of the most prestigious families of the Neapolitan nobility, honoured Maestro Broschi by taking a leading part in the baptism of his second son, who was baptised Carlo Maria Michelangelo Nicola. [In later life, Farinelli wrote: "Il Duca d'Andria mi tenne al fonte" ("The Duke of Andria held me at the font")], though this may only have been meant in a figurative sense. In 1706 Salvatore also took up the non-musical post of governor...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

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