Alessandro Moreschi

The Profile

Italian castrato singer and longtime soloist of the Sistine Chapel Choir. The only castrato to leave solo recordings (1902–1904), he retired in 1913 and died in 1922.

Recognized as the last castrato attached to the Sistine Chapel and the only castrato whose voice was recorded. The Last Castrato compiles 17 tracks recorded in the Vatican between 1902 and 1904 and even includes Pope Leo XIII’s blessing. Church reforms under Pius X in 1903 ended the use of castrati; Moreschi retired in 1913.

Alessandro Moreschi is presented as the last castrato attached to the Sistine Chapel and the only one to leave recorded evidence of the castrato voice. The featured review focuses on the compilation The Last Castrato, recorded in the Vatican between 1902 and 1904. It highlights the historical importance, lo-fi charm, and debated artistry of Moreschi’s singing. Context around church bans and his 1913 retirement frame the end of the tradition.