?Like all castrati, Gaetano Berenstadt's hormones had gone crazy, but Berenstadt's were particularly strong with a height of about 185 cm, he is said to have had 130 cm long legs, arms that were far too short and a corpulent belly. A field day for the caricaturists. But when he stood on the opera stage and sang, he was idolised. Berenstadt, born in Florence in 1687 and lifelong loyal to his patrons, the Medici, at the same time Grand Dukes of Tuscany, experienced his artistic career in the first third of the 18th century. He sang at all the important opera houses in Italy and for some years in London. The most famous composers of his time such as Ariosti, Bononcini, Gasparini, Hasse, Sarro and Vinci appreciated him for his vocal and acting abilities. Handel in particular was a great admirer of Berenstadt; in addition to several roles in world premieres, he even wrote new arias for him for the London revival of InchRinaldoInch in 1717. Filippo Mineccia, also from Florence and one of the leading countertenors of our day, follows in the musical footsteps of his Florentine predecessor and draws an impressive portrait of Berenstadt's career on this recording. Album Tracks 1. Act I Aria Sorte, Amor Vuol Che Quest'alma [04 40] 2. Act I Aria Ogni Tua Bella Stilla [04 10] 3. Act I Aria Pregio È Sol [03 40] 4. Tito Manlio Overture [00 00] 5. Ascanio, Act III Aria L'incauto, Che Non Teme [00 00] 6. Astianatte, Act I Aria Vezzosetta Tra Questi Fiori [00 00] 7. Giulio Flavio Crispo, Act II Aria Piaccia Agli Astri, Et Al Senato [00 00] 8. Ottone, Re Di Germania, HWV 15 Overture [00 00] 9. Ottone, Re Di Germania, HWV 15, Act I Aria Bel Labbro Formato Per Farmi Beato [00 00] 10. Caio Marzio Coriolano, Act I Aria Nel Tuo Figlio E Nel Tuo Sposo [00 00] 11. Farnace, Act III Aria O Del la Sorte Favor Instabile [00 00] 12. L'astarto Overtu