Scarlatti, Alessandro << skahr LAHT ee, `ah` lays SAHN droh >> (1660-1725), was an Italian composer known primarily for his operas. He spent most of his life in Naples and often is referred to as the founder of the Neapolitan school of opera, which flourished in the 1700’s.
Scarlatti composed about 85 operas. Most of these are in the opera seria (serious opera) style. For more information about this style, see Opera (Baroque opera [Opera seria and opera buffa]). Scarlatti’s most popular operas during his lifetime include Il Mitridate Eupatore (1707) and Il Tigrane (1715). Scarlatti composed more than 600 cantatas, which are dramatic love songs for voice, harpsichord, and cello. He also wrote oratorios, church music, and some instrumental music.
Scarlatti was born on May 2, 1660, in Palermo. At the age of 12, his parents sent him to Rome, where he probably began his music education. By about 1680, he had attracted the attention of several wealthy patrons. Scarlatti moved to Naples in 1684. He died on Oct. 22, 1725.
