--- In vocalist-temporary@egroups.com, Linda Fox <vocalist-temporary@egroups.com, Linda Fox <snide76258@a... wrote:
>
> > Se Florindo e fedele preferred for women (although
> > originally a male character!)
>
> Could you elaborate on this one please?
>
> Linda
According to the Paton (Alfred) edition, the original title was "Se
Florinda e fedele" (feminine ending) and was sung by the character of
Alidoro.
He also says the source is in Soprano clef, so it was either a
"pants"
role, or sung by a castrato. Both "travesti" and castrati co-existed
for a time until castration was more or less ended in the 19th
century. (Thank goodness!)
"Le Violette" is also sung by a male character, but was written in
soprano clef. I believe that as a general rule, boys were played by
women, while adult men were played by castrati.
-Jeff Snider
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