Italian composer (1728-1800). He studied under Leonardo Leo and Francesco Durante in Naples, Most of his career was spent in Italy, as a composer for opera houses. He was invited to Paris in 1776 and served as director of the Italian troupe from 1778. He imported the Italian genre to France, fueling the battle with Gluck's supporters. He was one of the most prolific composers of opera in the 18th century, with almost 130 works to his name.
