Composer, born in Palermo, Sicily. He produced his first opera in Rome (1679), where he became maestro di cappella to Queen Christina of Sweden. He was musical director at the court in Naples (1683--1702, 1709--25), and became a leading figure in Italian opera. He reputedly wrote over 100 operas, of which 40 survive complete, the most famous being Tigrane (1715). He also wrote 10 Masses, c.700 cantatas, and oratorios, motets, and madrigals.