orig. Carlo Broschi
born Jan. 24, 1705, Andria, Kingdom of Naples
died July 15, 1782, Bologna
Italian castrato singer.
After being castrated, he became a student of the composer Nicola Porpora (16861768), making his debut in 1720. Renowned for his vocal power and remarkable agility, he was persuaded by Porpora to go to London in 1734, where he became the greatest opera star of his time. In 1747 he abandoned the public stage for the court of Philip V in Madrid, where his singing revived the ailing monarch. Farinelli took over the court's musical establishment and engaged in highly extravagant projects. In 1759 he retired to Bologna, where he received illustrious guests, including Joseph II and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , in great style at his villa.