Italian composer. He studied with Leonardo Leo and with Nicola and Lorenzo Fago at the Naples Conservatory from 1735. In 1745 his oratorio Il figliuol prodigo ravvedutowas performed in Naples, where he remained for the rest of his life. In 1759 he became secondo maestroat the conservatory, and in 1771 he succeeded Giuseppe de Majo as maestro di cappellaof the royal chapel, after which he composed only sacred music. A 4-voice Stabat Mater from 1784 (publ. 1785) became well known outside of Italy. His operas include settings of Metastasio's librettos Ipermestra(1751), Olimpiade (1769), and Antigono(1770). He also composed oratorios; cantatas; Masses, motets, and other liturgical music.