Michael Maniaci - Male Soprano

[Mark]

Anyone heard this guy's voice? It's absolutely incredible. And very beautiful.

I saw him on a BBC programme about the castrati, and he explained that as puberty arrived for him, everything changed except his voice. I believe there are those who claim he's a countertenor, but he doesn't sound like any countertenor I've ever heard.

What I'd dearly love is to find a CD of his singing. But can I find one? Can I ****!

If anybody knows of a disc, please let me know.

Thanks.

[Maciek]

Mark, can't help you with the Maniaci question but wanted to mention the Yoshikazu Mera and other countertenors thread. It has an interesting discussion of the soprano vs. countertenor topic (no conclusions, though).

[Joan]

According to this article,     http://www.operatoday.com/content/2005/04/an_interview_wi_4.php     he had a very small role in a Danish production of Giulio Cesare, of which there was supposed to be a Harmonia Mundi DVD release in spring 2007. I can't find the DVD on HM's website.
Weird that he (seemingly) hasn't been recorded, but as the article says, his "real soprano" voice confuses some members of the establishment!
YouTube has a tiny clip that might be from the program you saw, Mark. BTW, that article has an interesting medical note at the bottom.

[Mark]

Thanks, Joan.