Franco Fagioli: Recital at Seville Opera

About the Event

A Singular Talent, a Dazzling Luminescence

At the conclusion of one of his performances, a frank admirer approached acclaimed British countertenor Alfred Deller with a bold question: “Are you a eunuch?” To which Deller, showcasing both his wit and self‐regard, cleverly replied, “I’m unique.”

For a man to achieve such an exceptionally high vocal range, surgery is not necessary! Instead, it demands mastery of vocal technique. The 18th century celebrated the era of the castrati, with legendary figures like Senesino, Caffarelli, and Farinelli. The last of these, Alessandro Moreschi, died in 1922, leaving behind a recorded fragment of a voice past its prime. Before their time, countertenors and falsetto voices gained prominence, reaching remarkable heights without surgical intervention.

The Argentine countertenor Franco Fagioli stands among the elite of unique voices, with Deller as a trailblazing figure. The 20th century saw the revival of the enchanting high notes as well as the rediscovery of centuries‐old musical treasures. Beyond the allure of this distinct sound, evident throughout the Baroque era, there was also an exploration into repertoire boundaries, such as bel canto, where melodies find new life through an exceptional lens. Truly an extraordinary experience.