Effects on making music?

[mccrayle (imported)]

As castration is said to potentially lead to memory and concentration issues, is there anyone on this forum who experienced a negative effect on musical talents?

[JesusA (imported)]

There is a 4,000 year history of castrati to provide evidence – from the 'gala' (praise singers to the gods) of ancient Sumer to the Italians into the beginning of the 20th century. There certainly doesn't seem to be any negative consequence for vocal music. Some of the Italian castrati were also composers, though their compositions are largely forgotten today.

[mccrayle (imported)]

Right. But playing the violin, or the piano, or some similar instrument that requires great precision, speed and complex technique?

[Dave (imported)]

You are kidding, aren't you?

I've had tickets to the Symphony for nearly 40 years and I am sure that I've heard players without testicles...

And I ain't talking about the women.

[gandalf (imported)]

I have been castrated for 8 years now. Still play the piano and have become the organist for church each Sunday. So, no, I have not seen any loss in talent there. Well...........since the other pianist likes the praise type music instead of hymns, there is a problem since I play mostly by ear and have to know the song to do it justice.

[mccrayle (imported)]

Many thanks for all answers so far!

Apparently nobody experiences (or expects) negative effects.

But then my next question is what people mean when they mention problems with memory, concentration, spatial intelligence, etc.

Can some concrete examples be given?

(BTW, gandalf, are you on T?)