I'm also reminded of the Chinese practice of foot mutilation ("binding"), and of course the practice of female genital mutilation. When I've taught Ethics classes, I've used FGM as an example of something that is objectively evil.
After reading Anne Rice's 'Cry to Heaven' years and years ago, I could never get the thought of such an atrocity out of my head. Then a friend of mine got a CD of the last castrato; we listened, and I was sort of mesmerized. It did help me make distinctions between types of singers' voice ranges, though: male and female, countertenor and contralto. Fascinating all around.
I'm also reminded of the Chinese practice of foot mutilation ("binding"), and of course the practice of female genital mutilation. When I've taught Ethics classes, I've used FGM as an example of something that is objectively evil.
We humans never lack in ways to "improve" upon Nature, eh? Sure, it may cost a few innocent lives along the way...ah, but those sublime voices....
After reading Anne Rice's 'Cry to Heaven' years and years ago, I could never get the thought of such an atrocity out of my head. Then a friend of mine got a CD of the last castrato; we listened, and I was sort of mesmerized. It did help me make distinctions between types of singers' voice ranges, though: male and female, countertenor and contralto. Fascinating all around.