--- 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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