The proposed authoritative study examines all aspects of life of eunuchs: their social origin, strict rules of training, their brilliant career, but also the dark side of existence singers ... What is the origin of this phenomenon? Why do I need to do in order to satisfy castrati boys fancy baroque tastes of society, require that on stage singing female voices? An excellent description of one of the strangest periods in the history of opera pays tribute to the most extravagant form of artistry. Patrick Barbier - Professor West Catholic University of Angers, a specialist in the history of opera, author of a biography of Farinelli.