Co-stars & Rivals: C U S A N I N O
Real name: Giovanni Carestini
Born: Filottrano, near Ancona, c1704
Died: ?Filottrano, c1760
Voice: soprano (later alto)
Personality: Carestini was at first ‘a powerful and clear soprano (Burney), with a compass of b to c'; later he had ‘the fullest, finest, and deepest counter-tenor that has perhaps ever been heard’. His reputation was enormous. He was extremely perfect in passages which he executed with the chest-voice, according to the principles of the school of Bernacchi, and after the manner of Farinelli: in his ornaments he was bold and felicitous. He was also a very good actor; and his person was tall, handsome, and commanding. He created the role of Arbace in Vinci and Metastasio's Artaserse, which is known for its difficult and virtuosic arias. He sang in Munich in 1731 before coming to London to sing for Handel in 1733. Carestini made his début here on Dec. 4, 1733, in Cajus Fabricius, a pasticcio; and his magnificent voice and style enabled Handel to withstand the opposition, headed by Farinelli, at the other house.
One fact: In Handel’s Alcina occurs the beautiful song 'Verdi prati,' which Carestini sent back to the composer as not suited to him. Handel on this became furious, ran to the house of the singer, and addressed to him the following harangue: 'You tog! Don't I know petter as yourseluf vaat es pest for you to sing! If you vill not sing all de song vaat I give you, I will not pay you ein stiver' (Burney)
One quote: He who has not heard Carestini is not acquainted with the most perfect style of singing (Johann Adolf Hasse)
One hit: Scherza, infida
