born May 2, 1660, Palermo, Sicily, Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
died Oct. 24, 1725, Naples
Italian composer.
He may have studied with Giacomo Carissimi in Rome. His first known opera (1679) was a success, and by 1680 he was chapel master in Rome for Queen Christina of Sweden. He left this secure position to become chapel master of the viceroy of Naples (16841702). Most of the operas produced in the city during this period were his own, and they were increasingly heard in other cities as well, including Leipzig and London. Most of his instrumental music comes from his late period, as do his comic operas. He wrote at least 70 and perhaps more than 100 operas, as well as some 600 secular cantatas; his opera overtures ( sinfonie ) were important forerunners of the symphony. Domenico Scarlatti was his son.