Baroque Music Festival – ‘In the Footsteps of Cusanino’
Details
The event pays homage to Giovanni Carestini, known as “il Cusanino,” a historical figure from Filottrano who lived between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, a refined devotee of the arts, and a passionate enthusiast of ancient music. Through concerts, performances with period instruments, and presentations by musicologists, the festival invites the public to rediscover the charm of Baroque music in an authentic and engaging context.
Performances are held in the most evocative locations in the historic center—churches, noble palaces, and internal courtyards—creating a direct link between music and the architectural heritage of the area.
An unmissable event for those who love music from other times, for enthusiasts of local history, and for those seeking high-quality cultural experiences in a welcoming and charming setting.
Castrato italiano – celebre interprete del repertorio barocco
Giovanni Carestini, soprannominato "Cusanino", fu uno dei più noti cantanti castrati del XVIII secolo. Nato nel 1700, probabilmente nelle Marche, divenne celebre per la sua voce straordinaria e duttile, capace di affrontare ruoli sia drammatici sia virtuosistici.
Giovanni Carestini, nicknamed "Cusanino," was one of the most famous castrato singers of the 18th century. Born in 1700, probably in the Marche region, he became renowned for his extraordinary and versatile voice, capable of performing both dramatic and virtuosic roles.
Career and Achievements
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Beginnings: Carestini made his debut in Rome in 1719 and quickly established himself on the Italian and European stages.
- Notable Collaborations: He sang for composers such as Handel, Hasse, Porpora, and Vinci. Handel wrote some of the most challenging arias in his repertoire specifically for him.
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London and Vienna: He achieved great success in England, Germany, and Austria, performing in the most prestigious theaters.
- Repertoire: Carestini was known for his stylistic refinement, expressive interpretation, and elegance in coloratura passages.
Personality and Style
Carestini was highly admired not only for his vocal technique but also for his commanding stage presence, noble bearing, and dramatic sensibility. He was nicknamed “the divine Carestini” in European aristocratic salons.
Decline and Later Years
Like many castrati, his career gradually declined with age. After 1750, he returned to Italy and likely retired in the Marche region. He died after 1760 under circumstances that remain poorly documented.
Carestini and Filottrano
The nickname "Cusanino" may connect Carestini to the Marche region, and possibly to Filottrano, where today the Baroque music festival “Sulle orme del Cusanino” seems to evoke—either directly or symbolically—his figure or the cultural world of his time.
[Source: Wikipedia, 25/03/2025]
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