Giovanni Cesari
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Giovanni Cesari, soprano acuto. (Born Frosione, 25 June 1843 - Died Rome, 10 March 1904)
Together with Alessandro Moreschi, Domenico Salvatori and Domenico Mustafa, Cesari was a famous castrato singer of the late 19th century. Born 25th June 1843 at the town of Frosione, Italy, he was dropped off to the orphanage in 1852 by his parents. Here he started his musical education under the direction of Gaetano Capocci, financed by the Sistine Chapel. He was then admitted, upon completing his studies, as a soprano to the Capella Sistina at the age of 17 in 1861. Cesari was overall a remarkable sopranist, and although he possessed a veiling voice, he was a master of song with an optimal intonation and an exquisite thrill. In addition of being a sopranist at the Capella Sistina, he was also a director of the of sacred music in several churches of Rome (Santa Lucia at Gonfalone, Saint Spirito in Sassia, etc.), and he used to arrange several concerts around in the town. From 1896 he was promoted to the vice director of the Capella, sometimes substituting the older Maestro Domenico Mustafa. He died prematurely in Rome at 10th March 1904. His voice can be heard, somewhat distantly, together with other choristers on the 1902 recordings made by Gaisberg.