Alessandro Moreschi, born on November 11, 1858, in Monte Compatri, Italy, was a notable Italian castrato singer. He is known for being the last castrato singer to have served in the Sistine Chapel Choir in the Vatican and the only one to have recorded his voice. He began singing in the churches of Monte Compatri before he caught the attention of Father Nazareno Rosati, a former member of the Sistine Chapel Choir. In 1873, he was appointed principal soprano of the Basilica of St. John Letran, performing in the salons of Roman high society. Moreschi later joined the Sistine Chapel Choir, becoming secretary in 1891 and choirmaster in 1898. The Gramophone & Typewriter company recorded Moreschi between 1902 and 1904. He can be heard singing works like "Incipit Lamentatio" and "Ave Maria" on The Last Castrato (Complete Vatican Recordings), released by Opal in 1984. Moreschi passed away on April 21, 1922.
