Composer. A native of Palermo, Sicily, his hectic professional life was divided mainly between Naples and Rome; he flitted between the two cities as political situations and musical tastes changed. The leading opera composer of his era, Scarlatti's 100 works in the genre influenced all his contemporaries, who imitated him. Among his innovations: the "bel canto" style of singing, which emphasized long, flowing melodic lines; the introduction of the "Italian" Overture, a medley of tunes from the opera itself; and greater use of orchestral accompaniment, ensembles, and chorus. Musicologists believe Baroque Italian Opera reached its apogee with Scarlatti's "Mitridate Eupatore" (1707), "Telemaco" (1718), and "Griselda" (1721). Considering his historical importance in opera, it is curious that the one Alessandro Scarlatti work still played today is his "St. Cecilia Mass" (1721). Another of his sacred pieces, the motet "Tu es Petrus", was performed at the coronation of Napoleon I in 1803. He was the father of composer Domenico Scarlatti.

Composer. A native of Palermo, Sicily, his hectic professional life was divided mainly between Naples and Rome; he flitted between the two cities as political situations and musical tastes changed. The leading opera composer of his era, Scarlatti's 100 works in the genre influenced all his contemporaries, who imitated him. Among his innovations: the "bel canto" style of singing, which emphasized long, flowing melodic lines; the introduction of the "Italian" Overture, a medley of tunes from the opera itself; and greater use of orchestral accompaniment, ensembles, and chorus. Musicologists believe Baroque Italian Opera reached its apogee with Scarlatti's "Mitridate Eupatore" (1707), "Telemaco" (1718), and "Griselda" (1721). Considering his historical importance in opera, it is curious that the one Alessandro Scarlatti work still played today is his "St. Cecilia Mass" (1721). Another of his sacred pieces, the motet "Tu es Petrus", was performed at the coronation of Napoleon I in 1803. He was the father of composer Domenico Scarlatti.

Bio by: Bobb Edwards